House Bill 1566

A set of bills in Oklahoma's House and Senate - Senate Bill 640, Senate Bill 752, and House Bill 1566 - are proposing to radically change the way that Medicaid is administered in Oklahoma. In the case of HB 1566, it would privatize Medicaid's managed care programs.

According to Rep. McReady, one of the authors of the bills, HB 1566 will reduce the cost of supporting the aged and disabled population, who require the most care of the population. The Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs has indicated its support of Medicaid reforms, as has the Oklahoma Hospitals Association.

Meanwhile, Trish Emig, chair of the State Council on Aging, holds that HB 1566 will force Oklahomans into nursing homes without reducing costs for the state. The Oklahoma Public Employees Association agrees with this assessment.