Oklahoma House Bill HR1019

Oklahoma 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/29/21

Caption

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.