Medicaid Tax Extension Passed in Special Session

The Missouri House sent renewal of a major tax that funds the state’s Medicaid program to Governor Mike Parson yesterday. If the Federal Reimbursement Allowance tax was not approved, the Governor said he would need to make deep budget cuts. A deadlock over abortion and birth control funding killed the renewal bill in the regular session that ended May 14. The bill that passed during this special session includes a restatement of the state’s current ban on using public funds to pay for abortions and does not attempt to bar Planned Parenthood as a Medicaid provider. Passage of the Federal Reimbursement Allowance paves the way for Governor Parson to sign the $35 billion budget approved by lawmakers.