Oklahoma Senate Bill SB1812

Oklahoma 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/7/22
• Refer: 2/8/22

Caption

Insurance; authorizing carriers to create program; providing formula for minimum savings incentive; requiring reports and analysis. Effective date.

Impact

The implementation of this bill could significantly impact state laws by altering how health insurance providers operate. By mandating insurers to incentivize cost-effective healthcare choices, this legislation positions itself as a measure to mitigate rising healthcare costs, which have been a growing concern in Oklahoma. The required program stipulates that the insurance carriers provide incentives calculated as a percentage of savings or a flat amount to enrollees who use less expensive services. Such a move is anticipated to influence the behavior of both patients and providers towards more price-conscious healthcare delivery.

Summary

Senate Bill 1812 introduces the 'Oklahoma Right to Shop Act,' which is aimed at empowering patients to make informed choices about their healthcare services based on cost. The legislation allows insurance carriers to establish a shared savings incentive program that would encourage policyholders to opt for healthcare services that are less expensive than the average allowed amount for those services within their network. The intent is to foster cost transparency in healthcare pricing and motivate consumers to seek more economical options for their medical needs.

Contention

However, the bill does face potential contention from various stakeholders within the healthcare system. Critics may argue that while it encourages shopping for cheaper alternatives, it can undermine the quality of care if patients prioritize cost over service quality. Additionally, there might be concerns regarding how these incentives might be communicated to consumers, with skeptics questioning whether all enrollees will have equal access to information regarding the costs of comparable healthcare services. These discussions around potential disparities in accessibility to cost information could be pivotal as the bill progresses through legislative scrutiny.