OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — The sponsor of a measure proposing the use of Medicaid expansion funds to boost Oklahoma's private insurance subsidy program says he's unsure if it will pass this session.
The Oklahoman reports that Sen. Greg McCortney says lawmakers don't want to vote on the legislation until the details of how it will be funded are agreed. McCortney added that unlike Medicaid, the final proposal will likely require participants to pay a small portion of their premium.
Sen. Julie Daniels says she worries the proposal could trigger tax hikes and ineffective outcomes. Daniels noted that extending coverage to physically capable people could affect "the most vulnerable populations" Medicaid was intended to help.
Advocates of expanding Medicaid coverage have filed a petition with Oklahoma to address the issue in a statewide vote.