State Rep. Charles Ortega’s bill to give State employees a greater choice of insurance providers has passed both chambers of the Oklahoma Legislature. House Bill 2018 would authorize the Oklahoma State Employees Benefits Council to utilize private Preferred Provider Options (PPOs) instead of mandating the use of the state-run, self-insured PPO (HealthChoice.)

The bill now goes to a conference committee for consideration. Ortega, of Altus, is urging fellow legislators to follow through with the measure. He also urges state employees to contact their legislators with their concerns.

Ortega pointed out that rural state employees in his district have just one choice — Healthchoice —and due to the recent problems with that program, he believes that lawmakers “should be responsible enough to increase choice and ensure state employees are provided benefits without fear of having to pay out of pocket.”

Ortega introduced the measure recently after it came to light that Healthchoice had fallen behind in paying claims of its clients to health care providers. They say it stems from the changeover to a new firm which is now handling the HealthChoice claims. The new claims service fell behind early and is working overtime to catch up.

The state employees insurance governing board has emphasized that the HealthChoice system is fiscally sound and has the money to pay all the claims.