The state estimates that 1,577 workers had the surgery in the 2.5 years it was covered by the state’s self-funded healthcare system. The surgeries cost the system $30.8 million — a little less than $20,000 per person. State officials said they might bring back coverage in the future. Missouri, which cut funding for the surgery in 2011, is bringing it back for 2012 after weighing the short-term versus long-term benefits.
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