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OMEPA Celebrates Another Successful Capitol Rally Day

Published in Government Relations on April 29, 2024

OMEPA Updated May 21, 2024

Once again, OMEPA has been successful with state grassroots. On April 23, OMEPA members gathered at the Oklahoma (OK) Capitol in support of HB1712. The “Patient’s Right of Choice” bill prohibits health insurers from refusing coverage for durable medical equipment and supplies as prescribed by a healthcare provider, regardless of whether the provider is in or out of network. No health benefit plan, HMO, PPO, or other provider network authorized to administer healthcare coverage in this state shall refuse coverage to an insured for durable medical equipment and supplies as prescribed by a healthcare provider.

OMEPA continues to push for HB1712 and works to overcome the Governor's veto after almost unanimous approval from the state legislature.

“HB 1712 has been two years in the making. We had unanimous support in the OK House and then got stuck in 2023 in the Senate when the Health Authority held up the bill. The group met with the Health Authority in February and was able to make amendments,” reports John Gallagher of VGM, who has been involved since the inception.

OMEPA owes much of their success to the strong relationships built with supportive state legislators over the years. The group reports receiving a standing ovation as the bill passed the Senate.

Congratulations on your success on the near-unanimous approval from the state legislature, OMEPA!

OMEPA board members at the Capitol

OMEPA board members at the Capitol: Zach Hall of Cimarron Medical Services, John Gallagher of VGM, Larry Dalton of Advanced Care Medical Equipment and President of OMEPA, Rep. Dean Davis, Victor Clay of Complete Care Medical, Rep. TJ Marti, Larry Jantzen of Larry’s Home Oxygen, Kelly Kicklighter of VentilateOK, and Jennifer Martin of Advanced Care Medical Equipment.

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