State of Oklahoma Archives: on Health Care
Josh Breechen:
Impose work requirements to receive Medicaid
Legislative Summary: HB2932: The measure directs the Oklahoma Health Care Authority and the Department of Human Services to eliminate Medicaid eligibility for non-pregnant able-bodied adults under the age of 65.
NPR analysis: For the first time in the program's history, states can require people to work a certain number of hours to be eligible for the government health program for low-income Americans.
In December 2018, Oklahoma became the 11th state to ask the federal government to sign off on Medicaid work requirements.
Legislative Outcome:
Passed House 53-23-24 on May/2/18; Passed Senate 35-8-4 on May/3/18; State Sen. Josh Breechen voted YES; Signed by Governor Mary Fallin on May/7/18
Source: National Public Radio on Oklahoma HB2932 voting records
May 3, 2018
Abby Broyles:
Failure to cover pre-existing conditions is downright cruel
Abby supports protecting Oklahomans with pre-existing conditions. Jim Inhofe has repeatedly advocated and voted to strip away the insurance of those with a pre-existing condition. The ACA, or ObamaCare, is far from perfect, but prohibiting an
insurance company from dropping or not offering insurance to Oklahomans because of a pre-existing condition is not just wrong--it's downright cruel.
Source: 2020 Oklahoma Senate campaign website AbbyBroyles.com
Jul 26, 2020
Abby Broyles:
I want to cap prescription drug costs
We have to take care of our people. When it comes to health, it's not just health, it's financial wellbeing. Another piece of that is that prescription drug costs are soaring. I want to cap prescription drug costs. When you're making decisions on
how to prioritize providing for your family, typically you're going to provide for your kids before you think about yourself, so people aren't getting the prescriptions they need for whatever their health situation may be.
Source: The Claremore Daily Progress on 2020 Oklahoma Senate race
Jan 18, 2020
Andrew Rice:
Pay doctors to proactively treat patients; end pay-per-test
Q: In 2007 the government has begun “income relating,” or means testing. Higher income seniors will have to pay more for their doctors’ services and outpatient coverage. Do you support Means Testing?
A: I am concerned about the long range fiscal health of Medicare and I will fight for reform that ensures that seniors continue to have access to quality health care. Some change which I support include:
-
Requiring government negotiation of lower drug prices.
- Paying doctors stipends to proactively treat patients, based on their age and medical conditions, instead of making payments for each test and treatment -- a change that could significantly
improve care while reducing spending on unnecessary tests and equipment.
- Improving management controls to reduce the $60 billion lost each year to Medicare fraud by physicians, therapists and other suppliers of medical services.
Source: Senior Citizens League Guide to 2008 Oklahoma Senate Debate
Oct 10, 2008
Brad Henry:
Insure Oklahoma program: coverage for many more Oklahomans
Through the innovative Insure Oklahoma program, we created a partnership with small businesses and their employees to make health coverage affordable for tens of thousands of Oklahomans. This nationally recognized program is a model for states across the
country.We cannot turn back the clock. Insure Oklahoma can provide coverage for many more Oklahomans--if we make the right choices today. We must provide adequate funding for this vital initiative so more Oklahomans can live longer, healthier lives.
Source: Oklahoma 2010 State of the State Address
Feb 1, 2010
Brad Henry:
Provide options for Medicaid including private coverage
HB2842: Medicaid Reform Act of 2006: Summary by Journal Record, March 14, 2006: : 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.
Legislative outcome:
Passed House 93-1-7 on May/25/2006; Passed Senate 47-0-1 on May/25/2006; Signed by Governor Brad Henry on Jun/9/2006.
Source: Journal Record on Oklahoma Legislature voting records HB2842
Jun 9, 2006
Chris Powell:
Oppose ObamaCare
Q: Do you support or oppose the statement, "Expand ObamaCare"?
A: Strongly oppose.
Source: OnTheIssues interview of 2018 Oklahoma Governor candidate
May 15, 2018
Connie Johnson:
Expand Medicaid
I support a fundamental shift from public health as an afterthought to a core, sustained investment in the people of our state. Expand the state's Medicaid program to extend insurance coverage to roughly 150,000 people--
approximately 1 in 5 of the state's uninsured--thus improving health outcomes for Oklahomans while providing relief to hospitals and medical professionals who now provide unpaid services to the uninsured.
Source: 2018 Oklahoma Senatorial website ConnieForGovernor.com
Oct 15, 2017
Connie Johnson:
Get mental health department up to speed by 2020
Q: What is the proper role of government when it comes to dealing with mental health?Richardson: "I do believe the government has a role to play. And I believe as governor you have to have a heart to truly make a difference in these peoples' lives."
Johnson: "Oklahoma is a traumatized state. The trauma that's going on means we need a department that is up to speed by 2020, when mental health will outweigh physical health as the leading problem facing our society."
Source: Norman Transcript on 2018 Oklahoma governor debate
Jan 7, 2018
Connie Johnson:
Provide options for Medicaid including private coverage
HB2842: Medicaid Reform Act of 2006: Summary by Journal Record, March 14, 2006: : 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.
Legislative outcome:
Passed House 93-1-7 on May/25/2006; Passed Senate 47-0-1 on May/25/2006; State Sen. Connie Johnson voted YES; Signed by Governor Brad Henry on Jun/9/2006.
Source: Journal Record on Oklahoma Legislature voting records HB2842
May 25, 2006
Drew Edmondson:
Reverse decision and accept Medicaid expansion funds
Every Oklahoman should be free to choose the best health care for themselves. Our governor's decision to reject Medicaid expansion not only robbed tens of thousands of health care, it created an insurance monopoly that robbed Oklahomans of choice
and let insurance companies set sky-high rates. It also crippled the ability of our state's rural hospitals to provide care to low-income Oklahomans. Drew Edmondson will reverse our legislature's harmful decision to reject Medicaid expansion funds.
Source: 2018 gubernatorial campaign website DrewForOklahoma.com
Jun 23, 2018
Drew Edmondson:
Expand Medicaid to address the state's high uninsured rate
In a debate hosted by KOCO-TV in Oklahoma City, both Democrat Drew Edmondson and Republican Kevin Stitt agreed the state's education care system need more money but disagreed over where the funding should come from.Edmondson promoted his plan to
increase the state's gross production tax to 7%, do away with the capital gains tax deduction and increase the cigarette tax by 50 cents, raising an additional $300 million.
"There he goes again," Stitt responded. "It's always about new revenue, new taxes."
The two disagreed on Medicaid expansion, with Edmondson vowing to accept additional federal dollars that would address the state's high uninsured rate.
Stitt said he would make health care spending more efficient but didn't want to expand Medicaid and add to the number of Oklahomans dependent on a government system.
Source: The Oklahoman on 2018 Oklahoma gubernatorial debate
Oct 25, 2018
Ervin Yen:
Mandate masks and mandate vaccines for coronavirus
A doctor and former state senator has officially announced his campaign for governor in 2022. Yen said, "The governor of Oklahoma's top job should be to protect our state and our people. Oklahoma is sorely lacking with that type of leadership.
If this is allowed to continue, we could still be in this pandemic on election day 2022." The announcement also comes when the Oklahoma State Department of Health reported a record-breaking number of COVID-19 cases. "Oklahoma desperately needs a mask
mandate covering all 77 counties," Yen said. "This virus is so contagious, it will go everywhere. It just goes to rural areas later than urban areas. Mandating masks in a county after an outbreak is way too late."
"The benefits of vaccines far, far
outweigh the risks," Yen added. "They save lives and are going to be even more important in the future. Oklahoma's mandated vaccines should only have an exemption for medical reasons."
Source: KOCO-5 ABC News on 2022 Oklahoma Gubernatorial race
Nov 8, 2020
Ervin Yen:
COVID: Oklahoma desperately needs a mask mandate
On the coronavirus pandemic: "Oklahoma desperately needs a mask mandate covering all 77 counties," Yen said. "I thought perhaps Oklahoma would be spared being a hot spot, since we have always socially distanced, compared to places like NYC.
I was wrong. This virus is so contagious, it will go everywhere. It just goes to rural areas later than urban areas. Mandating masks in a county after an outbreak is way too late."
Source: KOCO News 5-ABC on 2022 Oklahoma gubernatorial race
Nov 8, 2020
Ervin Yen:
Privatizing Medicaid is simply a bad idea
Yen said he is opposed to Gov. Kevin Stitt's plan to implement managed care. "Privatizing Medicaid is simply a bad idea.
This was tried years ago here and failed," Yen said.
Source: KOCO News 5-ABC on 2022 Oklahoma gubernatorial race
Nov 8, 2020
Ervin Yen:
Don't impose work requirements to receive Medicaid
Legislative Summary: HB2932: The measure directs the Oklahoma Health Care Authority and the Department of Human Services to eliminate Medicaid eligibility for non-pregnant able-bodied adults under the age of 65.
NPR analysis: For the first time in the program's history, states can require people to work a certain number of hours to be eligible for the government health program for low-income Americans.
In December 2018, Oklahoma became the 11th state to ask the federal government to sign off on Medicaid work requirements.
Legislative Outcome:
Passed House 53-23-24 on May/2/18; Passed Senate 35-8-4 on May/3/18; State Sen. Ervin Yen voted NO; Signed by Governor Mary Fallin on May/7/18
Source: National Public Radio on Oklahoma HB2932 voting records
May 3, 2018
Gary Richardson:
Government has a role to play in mental health care
Q: What is the proper role of government when it comes to dealing with mental health?Richardson: We truly have to understand the problems that they have and not just excuse it off as something it isn't. I do believe the government has a role to play.
And I believe as governor you have to have a heart to truly make a difference in these peoples' lives.
Johnson: We need a department that is up to speed by 2020, when mental health will outweigh physical health as the leading problem facing our society
Source: Norman Transcript on 2018 Oklahoma governor debate
Jan 7, 2018
James Inhofe:
Repeal ObamaCare; it's not a government responsibility
Question topic: It is the government's responsibility to be sure everyone has health care and a livable income.Inhofe: Strongly Disagree
Question topic: The Affordable Care Act (ObamaCare) should be repealed by Congress.
Inhofe: Strongly Agree
Source: Faith2Action iVoterGuide on 2014 Oklahoma Senate race
Sep 30, 2014
James Lankford:
Predicts that ObamaCare will destroy the health-care system
T.W. Shannon has been a consistent foe of the Affordable Care Act; James Lankford was elected in part based on his predictions that ObamaCare would destroy the health-care system and that its mandates boost long-term debt.In Congress, Lankford fights
presidential overreach, including Obama's frequent use of executive orders, from the Legislature. Shannon assails federal interference with legislative state prerogatives and authority.
Shannon may position himself as the more conservative and point to Lankford's support for increases in the federal debt limit to bolster his case, but he has more than once had allies "whip" reluctant Republicans into toeing a party line. Lankford has
worked with his House leader, but he's the author of a "shutdown prevention" act aimed at future shutdown fights--combining an initial freeze on spending with 1 percent spending reductions every 90 days until a continuing resolution is negotiated.
Source: Watchdog.org on 2014 Oklahoma Senate race
Feb 7, 2014
Joan Farr:
Lawsuits would end pandemic; it's about population control
Q: Your views on vaccination policies and mandates?A: Vaccination policies and mandates are a further example of outrageous government conduct.
Mass pro se lawsuits would end the pandemic quickly since it's all about money/power/population control.
Source: OnTheIssues.org interview on 2022 Oklahoma Senate race
Dec 13, 2021
Joe Maldonado:
Expand ObamaCare
Q: Do you support or oppose the statement, "Expand ObamaCare"?
A: Yes.
Source: OnTheIssues interview of 2018 Oklahoma Governor candidate
May 15, 2018
Joan Farr:
Forced vaccines are a violation of your rights
Have you lost a loved one from Covid or your job for refusing the vaccine? Mass pro se lawsuits will end the pandemic -- not vaccines. You can learn how to DIY at AssocForHonestAttys.com, just click on "How to File a Federal Suit."
If elected, I will ensure that your case is settled fairly an equitably.Forced vaccines are a violation of your rights, especially the right to "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Don't let anyone tell you different.
My extensive research and experience shows that CIA agents are posing as minimally trained medical personnel in Wichita area hospitals to try and cause the death of patients from 'natural causes.'
They are also extorting money from unsuspecting wealthy people using the court system. If elected, I will be working to ban the CIA in Kansas.
The coronavirus pandemic [was] begun by the Deep State.
Source: 2022 Oklahoma Senate campaign website JoanFarr.com
Jul 19, 2021
Joe Dorman:
Drop the partisan games & Invest in rural telemedicine
Like it or not, healthcare is something that impacts us all at some point. We need a Governor who is willing to drop the partisan games and find pragmatic approaches to ensure Oklahomans can access the healthcare they need. ObamaCare, Medicaid,
Medicare, you name it--it's all a mess. No one has the perfect solution, but here's the straight truth: continuously focusing on the politics of health care is helping no one.I'll use the issue of health care to actually help my fellow Oklahomans.
I have long led the push to advance telemedicine programs, providing essential health care service to Oklahoma's rural communities.
I will encourage, with all the weight of my office, for our hospitals and hospital systems to invest in
telemedicine so with the click of a mouse you can be connected with the best heart doctors, cancer doctors, mental health professionals and so on. The time for health care politics is over; the time to help Oklahomans is now.
Source: 2014 Oklahoma Gubernatorial campaign website JoeDorman.com
Jul 2, 2014
Joe Dorman:
Provide options for Medicaid including private coverage
HB2842: Medicaid Reform Act of 2006: Summary by Journal Record, March 14, 2006: : 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.
Legislative outcome:
Passed House 93-1-7 on May/25/2006; State Rep. Joe Dorman voted YES; Passed Senate 47-0-1 on May/25/2006; Signed by Governor Brad Henry on Jun/9/2006.
Source: Journal Record on Oklahoma Legislature voting records HB2842
May 25, 2006
Joy Hofmeister:
COVID: I'd have listened to experts instead of changing them
[On COVID response]: "We have a global pandemic, and it mattered who was governor in 2020," said Hofmeister. "We've had 10,000 Oklahomans lost. When you understand now how critical it was to have had a leader who contemplated expert
advice and opinion and set an example to help protect Oklahomans, we could have avoided thousands of people dying."So what would she have done differently? "I wouldn't have churned through four state epidemiologists in the middle of a pandemic."
Source: Tulsa World on 2022 Oklahoma Gubernatorial race
Jan 22, 2022
Joy Hofmeister:
Supported Medicaid expansion under Obamacare
Ms. Hofmeister also recognizes the other challenges facing Oklahomans, including infrastructure and access to healthcare. Healthcare in particular is where Ms. Hofmeister takes aim at current Governor Stitt, who supported twice-impeached former
President Donald Trump's managed health care plans for Oklahoma citizens. Ms. Hofmeister, on the other hand, has supported the Medicaid expansion--which saw hundreds of thousands of Oklahoma families receive medical benefits.
Source: The Black Wall Street Times on 2022 Oklahoma Governor race
Jan 22, 2022
Kendra Horn:
COVID: we have to listen to advice of public health experts
[On the coronavirus pandemic]: "In order to get through this, we have to listen to the advice of public health experts. Those who understand how this virus works. This is not a political issue. It's not a partisan issue. But listening to the advice of
our public health experts means wearing a mask, maintaining social distance, and doing the thing we know help prevent the spread," Horn said. "We know mask requirements work. We've seen it right here in Oklahoma City."
Source: Fox 25 on 2022 Oklahoma Senate race
Oct 20, 2020
Kendra Horn:
Healthcare is a right; build on present system
[On Medicare and ObamaCare]: "Healthcare is a right for all of us, not a privileged reserved for the few but I also know we don't need to throw out the entire system and start from scratch,"
Horn said. "I know we can and should improve upon the system we have."
Source: Fox 25 on 2022 Oklahoma Senate race
Oct 20, 2020
Kevin Stine:
Oppose semi-privatization of Medicare
Stine said he criticizes Wyden for joining forces with U.S. Congressman Paul Ryan, R-Wisconsin, in seeking semi-privatization of Medicare in 2011 and 2012.
If the plan had worked, it would have made it easier to cut Medicare benefits from senior citizens, Stine said.
Source: Medford Mail Tribune on 2016 Oklahoma Senate race
Sep 21, 2015
Kevin Stitt:
Make Medicaid a trampoline, not a hammock
State Medicaid spending is out of control. Since 2003, our Medicaid spending ballooned 194% from $714M to $2.1B. No other area of the state budget grew as quickly forcing hospitals to cut core services. I will fight to provide options to our
families with quality healthcare while protecting our most vulnerable. For those that fall on hard times, Medicaid must be a trampoline, not a hammock. I will put a stop to the fraud, waste and abuse to ensure the health and future of Oklahomans.
Source: 2018 Oklahoma Gubernatorial website StittForGovernor.com
Jul 4, 2018
Kevin Stitt:
Governor should have more control on Medicaid
Medicaid is the fastest growing expense in our state budget, and before we commit our state to accepting even more Medicaid dollars, Oklahomans deserve accountability and transparency with our state's management of the Healthcare Authority.
Oklahoma is the only state in the nation where the governor does not have the authority to provide oversight of this agency. We are sticking out like a sore thumb, and this must change.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to the Oklahoma legislature
Feb 4, 2019
Kevin Stitt:
Use managed care to operate Medicaid expansion
With Medicaid Expansion now in our Constitution, this is the perfect opportunity to reimagine health care delivery. It's time to focus on outcomes and not just paying invoices. 40 states have found managed care is the best way forward: Texas, Kansas,
Iowa, Tennessee, Florida. Even California and Illinois. It's not a red state or blue state thing. It's the smart thing to do. In fact, almost every other state with Medicaid expansion also uses managed care. Oklahoma, this is the right path forward.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to the Oklahoma legislature
Feb 1, 2021
Madison Horn:
Expand Medicare/Medicaid to include other social programs
- Advance legislation that expands Medicare and Medicaid to include a number of other social programs
- Promote price-lowering competition in the prescription drug market
- Expand patient choice in insurance and care providers while expanding
Medicaid
- Require hospital price and quality transparency for patients
- Support legislation to expand coverage of digital health services and at-home care (i.e. telehealth)
Source: 2022 Oklahoma Senate campaign website MadisonHorn.com
Aug 24, 2022
Madison Horn:
Tackle challenges facing rural communities access to health
Our rural communities have endured a shortage of services for decades, something I have experienced firsthand. Oklahoma is one of the highest states without Health Insurance coverage. This fact, coupled with the lack of adequate rural healthcare
facilities, have wreaked havoc on rural Oklahomans. Tackling these challenges will involve expanding access to health services, promoting competition in the prescription drug market, expanding telemedicine options, and a host of other initiatives.
Source: Sequoyah County Times on 2022 Oklahoma Senate race
Jun 22, 2022
Mary Fallin:
Certified Healthy program; & website for health insurer info
Two years ago [the legislature] passed legislation authorizing the creation of a website where every health insurance plan in the state could be compared side by side. In the coming years, we'll take that idea and build on it, allowing Oklahoma consumers
to actually purchase health insurance through an Oklahoma exchange, knowing that the plan they've chosen has the right benefits at the right price. Ultimately, the choice to live healthier and be healthier is just that: a choice.But I'm happy to say
that [we] introduced innovative public-private initiatives like the Certified Healthy Businesses program to encourage healthy living and eating. Currently, over 900 private businesses have become "certified." And I'm excited to see our healthy living
initiatives grow to include the Certified Healthy Schools and Certified Healthy Communities programs. By asking our citizens to take responsibility for their own health, we're building a healthier, more prosperous state.
Source: 2011 Oklahoma State of the State Address
Feb 7, 2011
Mary Fallin:
Impose work requirements to receive Medicaid
Legislative Summary: HB2932: The measure directs the Oklahoma Health Care Authority and the Department of Human Services to eliminate Medicaid eligibility for non-pregnant able-bodied adults under the age of 65.
NPR analysis: For the first time in the program's history, states can require people to work a certain number of hours to be eligible for the government health program for low-income Americans.
In December 2018, Oklahoma became the 11th state to ask the federal government to sign off on Medicaid work requirements.
Legislative Outcome:
Passed House 53-23-24 on May/2/18; Passed Senate 35-8-4 on May/3/18; Signed by Governor Mary Fallin on May/7/18
Source: National Public Radio on Oklahoma HB2932 voting records
May 7, 2018
Matt Silverstein:
Don't re-open the Medicare prescription drug "donut hole"
Instead of protecting and preserving these vital programs, Jim Inhofe plans to end Medicare as we know it. By a proposal supported by Jim Inhofe, thousands of Oklahoma's current seniors would see their out of pocket costs increased by nearly
$6,000 per year and forced back into the prescription drug "donut hole." Jim Inhofe believes that in order to avoid cutting benefits in the future, we must cut benefits now. Matt will not support policies that require senior's to foot the bill.
Source: 2014 Okla. Senate campaign website, MattForOklahoma.com
Jul 1, 2014
Mick Cornett:
Wants personal responsibility part of a healthcare approach
Mick believes we must prioritize health and wellness to reduce medical costs and live up to our full potential. Mick led Oklahoma City through a transformational shift in its approach to obesity. Relying on individual responsibility and improving
the built environment, Oklahoma City's health statistics have improved in nearly every measurement. Mick wants to create a state that will attract the top doctors and medical care, and he wants all to have access to quality emergency care and hospitals.
Source: 2018 Oklahoma gubernatorial campaign website Mick2018.com
Jul 4, 2018
Mike Workman:
Supports ObamaCare & suffered from pre-existing condition
Cancer survivor Workman announced for this office on March 23, 2016, the 6th anniversary of the 2010 signing of the Affordable Health Care for America Act [ObamaCare]. His "pre-existing condition" had kept him from having health insurance until 2010.
After an uninsured family member died in their home from breast cancer in 2009, he and Christene became foster-parents to her grand-daughter that has since brought them a great-grandson born in Tulsa and a great-grand-daughter born in Oklahoma City.
Source: 2016 OK Senate campaign website facebook/Workman-4-Oklahoma
Aug 8, 2016
Nathan Dahm:
Allow over the counter sale of unproven COVID remedies
Dahm has filed Senate Bill 1525 to make Hydroxychloroquine and Ivermectin available over the counter. "The sole focus of the current administration is on a vaccine that isn't quite as `safe and effective' as they make it out to be," Dahm said. "I
believe we should focus on proven early illness treatments, such as Ivermectin and Hydroxychloroquine, rather than continuing to pad the pockets of big pharma."The Week fact-check: A large new trial has reportedly found no indication
ivermectin is useful in treating COVID-19 patients. The trial of almost 1,400 COVID-19 patients at risk of severe disease found the drug failed to reduce hospital admissions.
News-Medical.net fact-check: The researchers concluded that
the results of this analysis are concordant with that of at least 50 previously published meta-analyses evaluating HCQ/CQ in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. None of the subgroups included in the study particularly benefited from the HCQ/CQ treatment.
Source: State Senate press release on 2022 Oklahoma U.S. Senate race
Jan 25, 2022
Nathan Dahm:
Prohibit gender reassignment medical treatment for minors
Dahm has filed a measure that would prohibit any person under the age of 18 from undergoing gender reassignment medical treatment in the state. "Senate Bill 583 would prohibit any sex-change surgeries or chemicals from being used upon any minor for
that purpose." Under SB 583, gender reassignment medical treatment means any health care to facilitate the transitioning of a patient's assigned gender identity to the gender identity experienced and defined by the patient.
Source: State Senate press release on 2022 Oklahoma U.S. Senate race
Jan 27, 2021
Nathan Dahm:
Health care is not a right; it is an enterprise
[On ObamaCare]: "Depriving citizens of the right to make their own choices about health care runs contrary to American ideals," said Dahm. "If we want a health care system that is innovative,
efficient, and controls costs, we need to allow the free market to work. Health care is not a right, it is an enterprise, and it works best with fewer market distortions and the incentive to improve the services it offers customers."
Source: State Senate press release on 2022 Oklahoma U.S. Senate race
Jan 10, 2013
Scott Inman:
Don't impose work requirements to receive Medicaid
Legislative Summary: HB2932: The measure directs the Oklahoma Health Care Authority and the Department of Human Services to eliminate Medicaid eligibility for non-pregnant able-bodied adults under the age of 65.
NPR analysis: For the first time in the program's history, states can require people to work a certain number of hours to be eligible for the government health program for low-income Americans.
In December 2018, Oklahoma became the 11th state to ask the federal government to sign off on Medicaid work requirements.
Legislative Outcome:
Passed House 53-23-24 on May/2/18; State Rep. Scott Inman voted NO; Passed Senate 35-8-4 on May/3/18; Signed by Governor Mary Fallin on May/7/18
Source: National Public Radio on Oklahoma HB2932 voting records
May 2, 2018
Scott Pruitt:
Provide options for Medicaid including private coverage
HB2842: Medicaid Reform Act of 2006: Summary by Journal Record, March 14, 2006: : 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.
Legislative outcome:
Passed House 93-1-7 on May/25/2006; Passed Senate 47-0-1 on May/25/2006; State Sen. Scott Pruitt voted YES; Signed by Governor Brad Henry on Jun/9/2006.
Source: Journal Record on Oklahoma Legislature voting records HB2842
May 25, 2006
Stephanie Bice:
Impose work requirements to receive Medicaid
Legislative Summary: HB2932: The measure directs the Oklahoma Health Care Authority and the Department of Human Services to eliminate Medicaid eligibility for non-pregnant able-bodied adults under the age of 65.
NPR analysis: For the first time in the program's history, states can require people to work a certain number of hours to be eligible for the government health program for low-income Americans.
In December 2018, Oklahoma became the 11th state to ask the federal government to sign off on Medicaid work requirements.
Legislative Outcome:
Passed House 53-23-24 on May/2/18; Passed Senate 35-8-4 on May/3/18; State Sen. Stephanie Bice voted YES; Signed by Governor Mary Fallin on May/7/18
Source: National Public Radio on Oklahoma HB2932 voting records
May 3, 2018
T.W. Shannon:
ObamaCare puts our freedom at risk
I used to believe our freedom was so deeply woven into the fabric of this country, that nothing could ever put it at risk. But over the past six years, much has changed.ObamaCare. Activist Judges. Reckless Federal Spending. Endless Red-Tape.
Burdensome Taxes. Deepening Debt.
The American people are tired, and they want someone who will fight to protect their values. Stand with me in this fight against liberal encroachment on our values and beliefs.
Source: Fundraising press release on 2014 Oklahoma Senate race
Jan 29, 2014
T.W. Shannon:
Wanted old VA hospital converted to mental health facility
Muskogee's Veterans Affairs Medical Center is recommended for closure, rather than transition to an in-patient mental health and treatment center. Holland criticized the recommendation. "When we worked together on the development of the new Tulsa
VA Hospital, we developed plans with the VA to convert the Muskogee facility into a long-term mental health care facility," Holland said. "This type of facility is needed by our veteran community, and Muskogee is in a perfect position to serve them."
Source: Tulsa World on 2022 Oklahoma Senate race
Mar 14, 2022
Kendra Horn:
Mask mandates effectively decrease COVID risk
With Oklahoma still being in the red zone for COVID-19 cases, implementing mask mandates was one of the first issues highlighted. [Republican opponent Stephanie] Bice started the debate by making it clear that she does not support a
nation-wide or state-wide mask mandate. She explained that it doesn't make sense, in her view, to have national mandates when the circumstances are different for each city and state.
On top of that, she emphasized that the economy and schools can not take a back seat to the pandemic.
Horn, on the other hand, responded to the mask mandate question by saying that she does support it because health experts have suggested that wearing masks is an effective way of decreasing the spread of COVID-19.
Source: Oklahoma City Free Press on 2022 Oklahoma Senate race
Oct 20, 2022
Stephanie Bice:
No COVID mask mandates, statewide or nationwide
With Oklahoma still being in the red zone for COVID-19 cases, implementing mask mandates was one of the first issues highlighted. ] Bice started the debate by making it clear that she does not support a nation-wide or state-wide mask mandate.
She explained that it doesn't make sense, in her view, to have national mandates when the circumstances are different for each city and state.
On top of that, she emphasized that the economy and schools can not take a back seat to the pandemic.
[Democratic opponent Kendra] Horn, on the other hand, responded to the mask mandate question by saying that she does support it because health experts have suggested that wearing masks is an effective way of decreasing the spread of COVID-19.
Source: Oklahoma City Free Press on 2022 Oklahoma Senate race
Oct 20, 2022
Nathan Dahm:
Impose work requirements to receive Medicaid
Legislative Summary:HB2932: The measure directs the Oklahoma Health Care Authority and the Department of Human Services to eliminate Medicaid eligibility for non-pregnant able-bodied adults under the age of 65.NPR analysis:
For the first time in the program's history, states can require people to work a certain number of hours to be eligible for the government health program for low-income Americans. In December 2018, Oklahoma became the
11th state to ask the federal government to sign off on Medicaid work requirements.
Legislative Outcome:
Passed House 53-23-24 on May/2/18; Passed Senate 35-8-4 on May/3/18; State Sen. Nathan Dahm voted YES; Signed by Governor Mary Fallin on May/7/18
Source: National Public Radio on Oklahoma HB2932 voting records
May 3, 2018
Abby Broyles:
Expand Medicaid; support rural access to health care
Abby will work to give everyone access to an affordable and comprehensive option and to protect Oklahomans with pre-existing conditions. Abby supports the expansion of Medicaid so that everyone has access to an affordable and comprehensive option.
She will fight for increased Medicaid reimbursement rates for providers in rural areas and for the expansion of existing incentive programs to attract and encourage health care professionals to work in rural communities.
Source: 2020 Oklahoma Senate campaign website AbbyBroyles.com
Jul 26, 2020
Cyndi Munson:
Lower costs of prescription drugs & health insurance
Lower Healthcare Costs for Oklahomans: Oklahomans are facing the rising cost of healthcare more than ever.
Cyndi believes that we need to invest in solutions that lower the cost of prescription drugs, health insurance premiums, and other costs that keep Oklahomans from affording the care they deserve.
Source: 2026 Oklahoma Gubernatorial campaign website CyndiMunson.com
Aug 13, 2025
Page last updated: Feb 07, 2026