Effort Continues To Insure Oklahoma

Friday, December 7th 2007, 9:28 pm

By: News On 6

The cost of health insurance is too high for many small business owners. Oklahomaâ€™s farmers and ranchers are no exception. But a state subsidy program called Insure Oklahoma is trying to change that. News On 6 anchor Latoya Silmon reports the Radio Oklahoma Network is on a road trip that could help save millions across the state.

A lot of farmers and independent business owners probably don't know about it. But, they're setting up shop here at the Tulsa Farm Show to make sure they know all they need to know about Insure Oklahoma.

â€œSince this is a subsidy from the tobacco tax, several millions are set aside for the purpose of providing adequate insurance for those who are either underinsured or who are uninsured,â€ said Pat with Insure Oklahoma.

Farmer and rancher Ryan Grant is an example of who might benefit from the program. He grew up on a farm and has been doing that most of his life. He doesnâ€™t have insurance, but his wife and children do.

â€œTheyâ€™re part Cherokee so they get health care coverage, but I'm not. At least I've got them covered, but that's just something I've got to look into more,â€ said farmer Ryan Grant.

Supporters of the program hope more people will do the same. They say Insure Oklahoma is the answer to coverage. Businesses with 50 or fewer employees can choose an approved health plan. Insure Oklahoma will pay 60% of the cost of premiums Employees pay 15% or less. With those kinds of numbers, Grant says it's worth looking into.

â€œIt would be just that it would be insurance. Insurance against me having an accident that was bad enough that I couldn't pay out of pocket for it. So, it would be a lot better peace of mind,â€ said farmer Ryan Grant.

And with a family to look after, this farmer can't afford not to have it.

Watch the video: Working To Insure All Oklahomans