At Missouri Health Matters, we believe that strong communities depend on access to quality health care. To ensure Missouri hospitals can continue providing top-tier care, we need leaders in Jefferson City who understand the challenges facing patients and providers alike.
This election cycle, several proven health care champions — all current or former members of the Missouri House of Representatives — are running for open seats in the Missouri Senate. Regardless of political party, these leaders have earned the title of Hospital Heroes for their past records of advocating for prior authorization reform, protecting funding that delivers lifesaving care and drug therapies, and advancing policies that put patients first.
Why Prior Authorization and Policy Reforms Matter
When health care providers are bogged down by administrative red tape, patient care suffers. Our Hospital Heroes have consistently stepped up to:
- Streamline Prior Authorization: Cutting delays so patients get the treatments, medications and procedures they need without unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles.
- Protect Access Close to Home: Ensuring both rural and urban hospitals have the resources to stay open, upgrade facilities, deliver lifesaving services and drug therapies, and retain skilled medical staff.
- Strengthen Local Communities: Advancing bipartisan health policy updates that keep Missourians healthy and support our state’s health care workforce.
The Candidates: Proven Leaders for Missouri's Future
Speaker Jon Patterson, R-Lee’s Summit
As a practicing general surgeon before entering public service, Speaker Patterson brings firsthand medical expertise to the Capitol. Serving as the Speaker of the Missouri House, he has been a vital ally in understanding the clinical realities of health care. He has consistently used his leadership position to support common-sense health policies, prioritize health care access and protect the vital 24-7-365 infrastructure of Missouri’s hospitals.
Rep. Melanie Stinnett, R-Springfield
Bringing her real-world experience as a health care executive and speech-language pathologist, Rep. Stinnett has been a fierce advocate for health care reform and disability rights in the House. Serving on and leading key health care committees, she has consistently fought for health care solutions, protected therapy access, and worked to reduce administrative burdens that stand between providers and Missourians.
Rep. Gina Mitten, D-St. Louis
During her eight years in the Missouri House, Rep. Mitten established herself as a passionate defender of affordable, quality health care. Serving on bipartisan committees focused on health policy, she traveled the state to listen to community needs and fought hard against budget cuts that threatened to shut down local hospitals. Her record reflects a deep commitment to protecting patient access and lowering health care costs. Every election matters. Every vote counts.
Policies that impact your health and your local hospital are decided by the people we elect. To keep moving Missouri health care forward, we need to ensure these health care champions have a seat at the table.
Missouri's primary election is Tuesday, Aug. 4. Voting is a right and a powerful opportunity to shape the future of Missouri for you and your loved ones. Register to vote by Wednesday, July 8.
How To Vote
Polling places are open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day, Tuesday, Aug. 4. Cast your vote to help select the candidates who will advance to the general election. If you are in line by 7 p.m., you have the right to cast your vote.
Beginning July 21, through Aug. 3, the day before the election, you may vote a no-excuse absentee ballot in person at a location designated by your local election authority.
Make sure you bring an acceptable form of identification to the polls.
Spread The Word
Encourage your family, friends and neighbors to vote. Make sure they have a plan to request an absentee ballot or to get to the polls on Aug. 4.
What's Next
Missouri's general election is Tuesday, Nov. 3. The last day to register to vote in the general election is Wednesday, Oct. 7. Make your final voice heard and lock in the future of Missouri health care advocacy.
- You can register online or in-person at your local election office.
- If you're already registered, check your voter registration status to ensure it's up to date.
Every vote matters. A healthier Missouri starts with you.
Missouri Health Matters works to inform Missourians about health care policy and candidates’ records. We do not endorse specific candidates, but we proudly highlight the records of those who champion hospital and patient care.
Paid for by the Missouri Hospital Association, Jon D. Doolittle, President and CEO