Governor Wants To Improve Insure Oklahoma

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Gov. Brad Henry is proposing improvements to a nationally recognized state program that helps provide health coverage to thousands of uninsured Oklahomans.

The Insure Oklahoma plan was part of Henry's 2004 health care initiative. The public-private partnership helps small businesses purchase insurance for their employees.

Henry said Friday he wants lawmakers to amend Insure Oklahoma to give participants more lower-cost insurance options, such as high-deductible and tailored-benefit plans.

Henry is also proposing a targeted registration program to provide onsite, point-of-service insurance enrollment at medical facilities such as clinics and emergency rooms.

Improving Insure Oklahoma is part of a multipoint health care initiative proposed by House Republicans earlier this week.