Oklahoma House Of Representatives Emboldens Insure Oklahoma Program for Small Businesses

Oklahoma House Of Representatives Emboldens Insure Oklahoma Program for Small Businesses in Politics and Legislation

If you thought there was no such thing as bipartisan consensus when it comes to health care and health insurance, don’t read on. The Oklahoma House of Representatives voted today to strengthen the Insure Oklahoma Program, which helps small businesses pay for the health insurance premiums for employees.

The vote? An impressive victory of 99 to 0, reported Forbes and the Associated Press.

Part of the reason the Insure Oklahoma Program is so popular politically is that it’s a public-private partnership that uses government funds, but puts them into the private individual health insurance market.

The plans provided as a part of the program are excluded from 36 state health benefit mandates, which makes Insure Oklahoma plans much more affordable than traditional coverage.

Today, there are about 17,000 residents enrolled in the program, wrote the AP article, and the bill would effectively allow the state government to expand the program’s reach. It would also make it easier for small business employees to become eligible for the program and enroll.

Currently, Insure Oklahoma is funded by a statewide cigarette tax.

“This legislation will help more people afford private insurance coverage while encouraging Oklahomans to take more ownership over their health care,” said House Speaker Chris Benge.

But honestly, 99 to 0 on a health care/health insurance initiative? Take that health reform debate. Maybe there’s hope after all.

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