Oklahoma House Falls One Vote Short On Insurance Fee

Associated Press

OKLAHOMA CITY -- The Oklahoma House has fallen one vote short of preventing a delay in funding for the health care needs of low-income Oklahomans.

The House voted 67-33 Monday for the emergency clause on a bill that provides a new 1 percent fee on paid health care claims. Passage required 68 votes.

The new fee was part of an overall budget agreement reached between the Democratic governor and Republican leaders in the House and Senate.

The failure of the emergency clause means the new fee will not take effect until 90 days after the Legislature adjourns on Friday.

Because the money is matched three to one with federal funds, officials with the Oklahoma Health Care Authority say the delay will result in a loss of between $52 million and $78 million.