Resolution; health care; managed care; directing the Oklahoma Health Care Authority to create a state-based managed care system.
Impact
The bill is significant as it reflects a shift in health care strategy within the state, emphasizing the importance of local control and sustainability in managing health services. If passed, HR1019 would directly influence how Medicaid is administered in Oklahoma and could potentially affect funding allocations. By favoring a state-managed system, the resolution seeks to retain taxpayer dollars within Oklahoma's economy and provide tailored healthcare services that are more effective for its residents, especially in rural areas.
Summary
House Resolution 1019, introduced by Representative McEntire, aims to reject privatized managed care in Oklahoma and directs the Oklahoma Health Care Authority to establish a state-based managed care system. The resolution highlights that approximately 200,000 Oklahomans will be newly eligible for Medicaid on July 1, 2021, expressing confidence in the Authority's proven track record of efficiency and patient satisfaction. Proponents argue that Oklahomans are better suited to create healthcare policies that reflect local needs rather than relying on out-of-state, profit-driven managed care organizations.
Contention
There are notable points of contention surrounding the bill, particularly contrasting the success of privatized models in other states against the proposed state-run system. Critics of privatized managed care express concerns over its historical inefficiencies and the financial burdens it imposes on taxpayers. The resolution calls into question the effectiveness of private organizations in delivering care, citing evidence that suggests these models often lead to worse access and quality of care, particularly in rural settings, where healthcare resources are already scarce.
State Medicaid program; creating the "Ensuring Access to Medicaid Act"; creating certain requirements for and prohibiting certain actions by the Oklahoma Health Care Authority, managed care organizations and dental benefit managers; creating MC Quality Advisory Committee. Effective date.
Oklahoma Health Care Authority; directing Oklahoma Health Care Authority to implement increased payment for certain long-term care and intermediate care facilities for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Public health; policy; prohibiting certain Health Care Authority contracts from having certain negative impacts; transportation; mobility management program; effective date.
State-sponsored employee benefits; directing the Oklahoma Health Care Authority to administer state-sponsored benefits; removing requirement for certain bid acceptance. Effective date. Emergency.
Health care; creating the Oklahoma Rebate Pass-Through and Pharmacy Benefits Manager Meaningful Transparency Act of 2025; clarifying authority to take certain actions. Effective date.
Long-term care; designating Oklahoma Health Care Authority as state administering agency for PACE program agreements; requiring certain enforcement; directing State Department of Health to create and issue certain license. Effective date.
Classification of felony offenses; creating the Oklahoma Crime Reclassification Act of 2024; requiring persons who commit criminal offenses to be classified in accordance with certain structure; codification; effective date.