STATE OF OKLAHOMA

2nd Session of the 52nd Legislature (2010)

SENATE BILL 1821	By:	Crain

AS INTRODUCED

An Act relating to poor persons; amending Section 1, Chapter 318, O.S.L. 2007 (56 O.S. Supp. 2009, Section 1009.1), which relates to the All Kids Act; clarifying reference; and providing an effective date.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA:
SECTION 1.     AMENDATORY     Section 1, Chapter 318, O.S.L. 2007 (56 O.S. Supp. 2009, Section 1009.1), is amended to read as follows:
Section 1009.1  A.  Sections 1 and 2 of this act Sections 1009.1 and 1009.2 of this title shall be known and may be cited as the “All Kids Act”.
B.  The Legislature finds that, for the economic and social benefit of all residents of the State of Oklahoma, it is important to enable all children of this state to access affordable health insurance that offers comprehensive coverage and emphasizes preventative health care.  Numerous studies, including the Institute of Medicine’s report, Health Insurance Matters, demonstrate that lack of insurance negatively affects health status.  The Legislature further finds that access to health care is a key component for children’s healthy development and successful education.  The effects of lack of insurance also negatively impact those who are insured because the cost of paying for care for the uninsured is shifted to those who have insurance in the form of higher health insurance premiums.  A Families USA 2005 report indicates that by 2010, family premiums in Oklahoma will increase by Two Thousand Eleven Dollars ($2,011.00) due to cost-shifting from the uninsured.  It is, therefore, the intent of the All Kids Act to provide access to affordable health insurance to all children in Oklahoma.
SECTION 2.  This act shall become effective November 1, 2010.

52-2-3394	JM	1/12/2010 3:38:05 PM