Oklahoma House Bill HJR1045

Oklahoma 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/1/21

Caption

Joint Resolution; privatized managed care organizations; state-based managed care system.

Impact

The resolution outlines concerns about the inefficiencies of privatized managed care, citing previous failures in Oklahoma and other states. It asserts that privatization tends to worsen access and the quality of care, potentially leading to increased costs for taxpayers without evidence of superior performance compared to publicly-managed systems. Additionally, it claims that privatized care disproportionately affects rural communities, suggesting that a locally-managed system would alleviate these issues and maintain financial resources within the state economy.

Summary

HJR1045 is a Joint Resolution aimed at rejecting the concept of privatized managed care in Oklahoma and directs the Oklahoma Health Care Authority to establish a state-based managed care system. The bill highlights that approximately 200,000 Oklahomans are eligible for Medicaid starting July 1, 2021, and emphasizes the necessity for effective, locally managed healthcare solutions rather than relying on for-profit organizations from outside the state. The drafters of the resolution argue that Oklahoma residents are better equipped to create policies and programs that address the specific needs of the state's population.

Contention

Key points of contention surrounding HJR1045 center on the viability and effectiveness of a state-run managed care system. Supporters believe that focusing on local governance can lead to more tailored, efficient healthcare solutions, while opponents may argue that privatization could introduce innovations and efficiencies that a state-run system may lack. The resolution’s stance against privatization is framed within broader discussions about healthcare costs and quality in the state, indicating that this will be a significant debate as care delivery methods evolve in Oklahoma.