Missouri has expanded its Medicaid program, driving its uninsured rate to the fourth lowest rate in the country. The new State Insurance Director, Scott Lakin, wants to keep it low. He says the responsibility lies with the insurance industry, insisting insurers must do a better job of managing risks rather than trying to avoid them. He’s been holding hearings to talk with insurance company representatives, various special interest groups, and consumer groups. He says staff will sift through the testimony and other data to compile a legislative plan to present to Governor Bob Holden.
