State legislative update - major deadline passes

Posted on: 3/13/20

Amid the headlines of this week, the Legislature continued with business as usual. Final figures have not been released yet, but by our calculation roughly 300 bills have died, leaving approximately 1,200 live bills, resolutions and some carry-overs from last session.

HB 2870 by Rep. Kiger and Rep. Perryman, the Small Oklahoma Hospital Survival Act, passed off the House floor by a vote of 94 to 0 this week. (The bill seeks to simplify insurance contracts and address market conduct in rural Oklahoma.)

Two bills addressing surprise billing also passed the House this week. HB 3388 by Rep. Sneed and HB 3483 by Rep. McEntire both address the hot topic of surprise billing but in different ways. We have and will continue to work closely with both authors moving forward.

Two bills addressing managed care also advanced this week. HB 3477 by Rep. McEntire would ensure SHOPP funds could not be used for managed care organizations or third parties and that SHOPP payments would flow directly to hospitals, not through managed care organizations or any other third party. HB 3479, also by Rep. McEntire, would require the Oklahoma Health Care Authority to obtain legislative approval for any managed care request for proposal or contract.  

As an aside, there are ongoing conversations at the Capitol regarding public access and COVID-19. Legislative leaders and the governor are discussing contingency plans for the legislative session, but at this time there is no indication that session will be suspended. Stay tuned. Please continue to hold April 14 on your calendars for our Advocacy Day at the Capitol event and we will keep everyone apprised as to any changes moving forward. (Scott Tohlen)