Medicaid Makeover: Oklahoma House Passes Key Health-Care Reform Measure, House Bill 2842

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A bill to bring about a major revamping of Oklahoma's Medicaid system passed the state House on Monday by 81-17.

Supporters say House Bill 2842, by state Rep. Kris Steele, R- Shawnee, will save more than $100 million while providing program participants health care coverage tailored to their needs.

Opponents said they fear the measure could mean reduced services for Medicaid recipients.

Under the bill, those on Medicaid would choose from a menu of options, depending on their health-care needs.

Participants could choose to opt out of Medicaid and use a state- allocated payment to participate in an employer-sponsored health care plan.

Far too …