Gov. Mike Parson is taking steps to curb rising health insurance costs through the formation of a new task force. We applaud the effort and hope it results in measurable results for Missourians.
As we reported Thursday, the governor signed an executive order to create the Missouri Health Insurance Innovation Task Force.
He’s asking the task force to look for comprehensive and innovative ways to transform the health insurance market.
Missouri, he said, not Washington, D.C., is best positioned to take care of its residents.
“Our health insurance market is not competitive, and there is no ‘one size fits all’ federal solution that addresses every issue of healthcare access and the rising cost of insurance premiums for Missourians,” Parson said in a news release.
Parson wants the task force to improve access to affordable health insurance while reducing the percentage of Missourians who are uninsured.
Congress enacted “Obamacare” in 2010. Since then, Parson said, Missourians have seen their health insurance on the individual market nearly triple.
Health insurance premiums have risen an average of 264 percent since 2011. Between 8.4-9.1 percent of state residents are uninsured, his office said.
On one hand, it’s frustrating we’re starting a new study on an old problem — one that’s been getting worse over time. On the other hand, we’re glad to see the problem is being addressed.
Parson likely realizes there’s no magic bullet to solve the problem. He also realizes Missouri responsibly balances its budget, and progressives’ calls for universal health care for all just aren’t realistic.
But hopefully the task force can find workable solutions that will create better, more affordable health care options for Missourians.
News Tribune