Oklahoma Senate Bill SB1459

Oklahoma 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/7/22
• Refer: 2/8/22
• Failed: 2/28/22

Caption

Health Insurance; requiring coverage of positron emission tomography under certain circumstances. Effective date.

Impact

If enacted, SB1459 will affect various health benefit plans in Oklahoma by requiring adherence to specific guidelines established by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for PET coverage. This law is expected to improve early detection and diagnosis of cancers, potentially leading to better health outcomes for patients. The bill indicates a shift towards recognizing the importance of advanced medical imaging in standard healthcare practices.

Summary

Senate Bill 1459 mandates that health benefit plans, including the State and Education Employees Group Health Insurance Plan, must provide coverage for positron emission tomography (PET) tests. These tests are important imaging tools used for cancer screening and diagnosis. The bill aims to enhance access to this medical technology for patients in Oklahoma, ensuring that health plans offer this service as part of their coverage.

Contention

During discussions surrounding SB1459, there were concerns raised about the financial implications for health plans and their subscribers. Some advocates argued that while increasing coverage for PET scans is beneficial for patient outcomes, it may also lead to higher premiums or co-pays. There were debates about ensuring that the coverage mandates would not place an undue burden on health plans or the state budget, reflecting an ongoing tension between providing comprehensive health benefits and managing costs.