There are more than 630-thousand Oklahomans without medical insurance coverage. It impacts those that do have insurance, and the issue is a major topic discussed at a health care forum in Tulsa today. President of the Oklahoma Hospital Association, Craig Jones, says in 2013 hospitals in the state gave over $550-million in care to those without insurance. He says that cost has to be shifted, so it’s borne by those with insurance and companies that privately insure their employees.
Jones says the state needs reform in payment and delivery systems to broaden access to care. The forum was sponsored by the Tulsa Regional Chamber.