Missouri GOP Looks to Override Gov. Holden’s Veto of Med-Mal Award Caps; Insurers Won’t Promise Rate Cuts

Missouri Republicans are trying to override a veto by Democratic Gov. Bob Holden of a bill that placed caps on pain-and-suffering awards in medical malpractice cases, according to the Associated Press.

Holden vetoed a similar bill last year, and it appears unlikely the GOP has the votes to override, considering that the bill passed the House with 93 votes, where 109 would be needed, and the Senate with 21 votes, two short of what’s needed.

Both the GOP and doctor lobbying groups are trying to get insurers to promise to reduce rates once the bill is passed, but they so far have proven reticent to put anything in writing. They fear that the bill might pass in a different form that won’t reduce overall loss costs, thus making rate reductions impractical. In addition, insurers argue that unpredictable market changes make promises to reduce rates unwise.