(LISTEN): State Rep. David Tyson Smith (D-Columbia) previews 2025 session on "Wake Up Mid-Missouri"

A state lawmaker from Columbia says Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Missouri and Anthem have backed away from their plan involving anesthesia coverage during surgeries. State Rep. David Tyson Smith (D-Columbia) tweeted Thursday that Blue Cross/Blue Shield had announced a new policy in Missouri to not cover anesthesia care if surgery goes beyond a certain arbitrary time. He described that proposal as “dangerous, egregious and appalling.” Representative Tyson Smith tweeted later Thursday that after he announced he would file legislation to prevent Anthem from limiting their anesthesia coverage during surgery, Anthem backtracked from that policy. Rep. Tyson Smith joined us live this morning on 939 the Eagle's "Wake Up Mid-Missouri", telling listeners this is a victory for constituents across the state. He also says residents across Missouri from both parties were outraged by the insurance company's plan. During the live interview, Representative Tyson Smith also outlined his bill to prohibit the purchasing of semi-automatic and fully automatic firearms by anyone under the age of 20. He's concerned about mass shootings at schools and AR-15 weapons. Rep. Tyson Smith tells listeners that he supports the Second Amendment and that teens should be able to hunt and to have guns. Representative Tyson Smith also discussed his proposal (House Bill 298) that would repeal the provisions authorizing the establishment of charter schools in Boone County: