Newberry lauds agreement to establish Oklahoma Health Insurance Private Enterprise Network

Sen. Dan Newberry today praised an agreement between Gov. Mary Fallin and legislative leaders to establish an Oklahoma-based, free market health insurance network built on conservative principals.

The Oklahoma Health Insurance Private Enterprise Network will broaden access to affordable healthcare and prevent the establishment of a federal health insurance exchange in Oklahoma. The agreement stipulates that Oklahoma will not accept the $54 million Early Innovator Grant from the federal government.

“As the author of the ballot measure that enabled Oklahomans to opt-out of Obamacare, I’m pleased we’ve found a system that meets our needs and protects us from this federal mandate,” said Newberry, R-Tulsa. “Today’s agreement will expand consumer choice through free-market principals, while protecting us from the implementation of Obamacare. This plan will give more Oklahomans the information they need to find the best possible health plan.”

Based in part on concepts initially outlined by the Heritage Foundation, a leading conservative research institution, the network will not limit participation and will be funded through state or private resources.

“This proposal is the best possible fit for Oklahoma,” Newberry said. “It will spur competition among providers, encouraging innovation and improved service. Governor Fallin and Republican leadership stood on principal today, opposing a pernicious federal mandate with a forward-thinking plan to empower Oklahomans through free market tools.”