Oklahoma Lawmakers File State Insurance Opt-Out Bill

Two Oklahoma lawmakers have filed legislation to increase the number of state employees who could opt out of state insurance coverage.

The measure expands a 2011 law that allowed state employees and lawmakers to refuse state-funded coverage if they are already covered by another policy.

The law now applies to individuals currently covered by a separate policy. The proposal by Reps. Dustin Roberts and Emily Virgin of Oklahoma City would expand the opt-out option to include those who will be covered by a separate group health insurance plan on or before the beginning of the next plan year.

The current law has already saved an estimated half-million dollars and could ultimately save $1.5 million to $3.5 million annually. Roberts and Virgin say their measure could lead to more savings.