To the editor:

In Missouri, 5,820 people are diagnosed with lung cancer annually. Patients with preexisting conditions such as lung cancer and chronic lung diseases, are penalized by low-quality policies, known as “junk insurance.” Because such plans are exempt from important consumer protections, they can leave patients vulnerable when they most need timely access to quality, affordable care.

Farm Bureau plans are not regulated and do not have to follow the rules that other health insurance plans do, including covering the 10 essential health benefits and covering people with preexisting conditions. Plans not covering these key services would mean patients pay high costs for their treatment, potentially forcing patients to skip important medications or treatments.

To protect the health of Missouri’s most vulnerable, I urge Missouri lawmakers to reject Senate Bill 925 and House Bill 2082, and similar bills and amendments, which authorize the sale of unregulated health products that could discriminate against Missourians with preexisting conditions, offer no meaningful coverage in the case of a cancer diagnosis, neglect to cover essential healthcare services like prescription drugs and ultimately leave people at risk when illness strikes and subject to major financial hardship. I hope that lawmakers will work together to implement solutions that work for all Missourians, including farmers and their families.

Chris Scaglione

Wildwood

Editor’s note: Chris Scaglione is a local board member of the American Lung Association in Missouri. Both SB 925 and HB 2082 did not make it out of committee during the 2024 legislative session.