OHA member hospitals meet with House speaker and House minority leader

Posted on: 10/4/17


On Wednesday, Sept. 27, during the third day of the special session, OHA President Craig Jones, other OHA staff and CEOs of hospital systems met with House Speaker Charles McCall to outline the concerns of hospitals about continuing cuts in Medicaid and the need for passage of a cigarette tax (HB 1099X). The systems that were able to attend were Hillcrest HealthCare System, OU Medical System, Mercy, and SSM Health Care of Oklahoma. Also attending was Duncan Regional Hospital. Speaker McCall assured the attendees that House leadership is trying to pass a cigarette tax. McCall also assured the hospitals that if the cigarette tax fails, the House intends to take care of the immediate financial needs of the three health agencies impacted by the Supreme Court ruling in the cigarette fee, SB 845.

After the meeting with the speaker, the hospital CEOs then met with House Minority Leader Scott Inman to outline the concerns of hospitals about continuing cuts in Medicaid and the need for passage of a cigarette tax (HB 1099X). Minority Leader Inman empathized with the concerns of the CEOs and stated that the House democrats are working with the Senate and governor’s office on a comprehensive revenue package that includes the cigarette tax increase at $1.50. As of the writing of this article, no agreement has been reached on any revenue package or proposal for special session.  As mentioned earlier, there is no deadline for the end of the special session. Please call you legislator, House and Senate, and urge them to pass a $1.50 cigarette tax increase to fund health care. [www.okoha.com/votervoice]

Save the dates for OHA 2022 events

Posted on: 2/18/22


It’s a new year and a new lineup of important events for you and your staff. Don’t miss out on these opportunities to engage in advocacy, education and networking all year long. Mark your calendar now!

OHA Advocacy Day - Tuesday, April 5, Oklahoma History Center. Join us for our annual legislative day. We will begin with a member briefing at 3 p.m., followed by a legislative reception at 5 p.m. Watch for registration materials soon.

OHA-PAC Golf Tournament - Tuesday, June 21, Jimmie Austin Golf Club at OU, Norman. Time and details TBA.

OHA Health Care Leaders Forum - Tuesday, July 19 - Thursday, July 21, Shangri-La Resort, Grand Lake. Watch for registration soon!

OHA Connect 22 - Wednesday, Nov. 9 - Friday, Nov. 11, Oklahoma City Convention Center and Omni Hotel, downtown Oklahoma City. Plan now to attend OHA’s annual conference and exhibit hall. More details to come.

Details on these events and other upcoming education opportunities will be available on the OHA website.