New health insurance program for small businesses announced

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Governor Brad Henry formally announced a new health insurance assistance program for small businesses Monday.<br/><br/>The governor says the Insure Oklahoma program will help businesses

Monday, October 24th 2005, 6:13 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Governor Brad Henry formally announced a new health insurance assistance program for small businesses Monday.

The governor says the Insure Oklahoma program will help businesses with 25 or fewer workers get health insurance for their employees.

The program will formally start on November 1st.

Henry says the plan is a pro-business, pro-health initiative that's good for the state. He says it will give small businesses a much-needed shot in the arm.

Henry proposed the premium assistance program last year as part of his Oklahoma health care initiative. Voters approved the state question that included the program in November. Federal officials authorized matching funds for the program last month.

The Oklahoma Health Care Authority will administer the program.