OKLAHOMA CITY (OBV) — Gov. Kevin Stitt vetoed Senate Bill 2074, writing that the measure would rewrite the state’s prescription drug reimbursement formula and “further insert” Oklahoma into the marketplace in a way that “pick[s] winners and losers.”
In his veto message, Stitt argued the policy would operate as a “hidden tax” that would ultimately be passed on to families, employers and small businesses through higher premiums and increased health care costs.
Stitt also cited opposition requests from a range of Oklahoma employers and organizations—including ONG, ONEOK, American Fidelity, American Airlines, Koch Industries, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Oklahoma, Hobby Lobby, the State Chamber of Commerce and the OKC Chamber of Commerce—and wrote that if SB 2074 became law it would cost the Oklahoma Health Care Authority more than $11 million. While calling the bill’s intent to support rural health care “commendable,” Stitt wrote that SB 2074 “does not address the root issues” and instead imposes a “one-size-fits-all solution” in a complex system, urging stakeholders to negotiate an alternative approach that supports rural health care while “preserving market flexibility” and limiting cost increases.
