GOP state lawmakers approve two health care bills

Tuesday, March 1st 2005, 6:44 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) â€“ State House committees have approved two components of House Speaker Todd Hiett's health care initiative, including plans to create individual health savings accounts and a prescription drug plan for needy Oklahomans.

Hiett says his proposals are a commonsense approach to lowering the cost of health care and health insurance in the state.

The Presciption for Oklahoma Act would create a statewide program for people to receive free or discounted prescription drugs.

Shawnee state Representative Kris Steele -- author of House Bill 1853 -- says his bill would authorize up to $1-million to establish access points for the program, including community action agencies and county health departments, to increase access to discounted medications for the needy.

The Health Savings Account Act -- House Bill 1848 -- would allow individuals and employers to create health savings accounts.

Both measures now go to the full state House for consideration.