Speaker’s Office
The House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed House Concurrent Resolution 1023, a measure which limits the continuation and expansion of Insure Oklahoma.
Earlier this session, it was revealed that the federal government would not continue the healthcare funding of 9,000 Oklahomans who received benefits under Insure Oklahoma. This drop in coverage comes after promises from the Obama Administration that everyone would be covered under ObamaCare. The Obama Administration withdrew their funds and left the State of Oklahoma responsible for a $50 million program.
“This is what happens when government gets into the health care business,” said House Speaker T.W. Shannon. “Taxpayers are burdened and promises to the insured are broken at the will of politicians. I cannot support the expansion of inefficient government run health care. Government has no place having its hands in people’s health care choices.”
HCR 1023 calls for the state to no longer seek federal funds or waivers for Insure Oklahoma. If Insure Oklahoma is to continue to exist, HCR 1023 does not allow any new state funding sources to be directed to the program and the eligibility of people in its service cannot be expanded.
“The answer to this problem is not further intrusion by the federal government,” said Rep. Glen Mulready, author of HCR 1023.”This is a clear message that we need to find a better solution and we will not follow the example of Washington, D.C.”
