Insurance Fee Opposed

By Associated Press

Oklahoma City, OK – State Chamber opposes new insurance claims fee

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) The State Chamber of Oklahoma wants to side with Insurance Commissioner Kim Holland in her challenge of a new state law designed to raise up to $240 million for the state's Medicaid program.

The State Chamber on Tuesday asked the Oklahoma Supreme Court to allow it to file a friend of the court brief in the case.

Holland has asked the state's highest court to strike down the new law, which imposes a 1 percent fee on claims paid by private health insurers and companies with self-insured care plans.

Oral arguments were presented last week to a Supreme Court referee.

Holland contends the measure is unconstitutional because it was passed during the last five days of the session and failed to receive the required three-fourths vote of the House and Senate.