Oklahoma Federal Representatives’ Role in Health Care Policy
TL/DR –
Healthcare was a key issue addressed by Oklahoma U.S. Senators James Lankford and Markwayne Mullin upon their return to Washington after surveying storm damage. Lankford criticized UnitedHealth and its CEO, Andrew Witty, for their response to a data leak and detailed rural Oklahomans’ struggles with using Medicare Advantage. Mullin supports legislation that would allow state Medicaid programs to enter into value-based purchasing agreements, arguing that this would incentivize better and potentially more expensive treatments, and align the healthcare system more towards patient care.
Health Care Concerns Raised by Oklahoma Senators
Oklahoma U.S. Senators, James Lankford and Markwayne Mullin have addressed health care issues upon returning to Washington after assessing storm damage. Lankford participated in the Senate Finance Committee’s scrutiny of UnitedHealth Group CEO, Andrew Witty, over a data leak that caused major service disruptions. Lankford highlighted the challenges rural Oklahomans face in using Medicare Advantage, a service provided by UnitedHealth.
Medicare Advantage vs Traditional Medicare
Unlike traditional Medicare, which is fee-for-service based, Advantage plans are preferred provider networks managed by private companies like UnitedHealth. Lankford pointed out that doctors and hospitals are dropping Medicare Advantage due to lower reimbursements and administrative hassles, posing a detrimental effect on patient care.
Mullin’s Support for State Medicaid Programs
Mullin supports legislation that allows state Medicaid programs to enter into value-based purchasing (VBP) agreements for rare disease patients. VBPs link provider payments to patient outcomes, incentivizing more expensive treatments if they produce better results. Mullin stated that VBP agreements better align the health care system towards patient care.
Removal of In-Person Requirements for Behavioral Health Services
First District Congressman Kevin Hern joined legislation removing in-person requirements for remotely delivered behavioral health services. Hern argued that maintaining in-person requirements for telebehavioral health visits obstructs access to care.
Controversy Over National Labor Relations Board Rule
Hern criticized President Joe Biden’s veto of a congressional review act measure to overturn a National Labor Relations Board rule dealing with franchises. He maintains that such a rule, which was in effect during the Obama administration, had cost 376,000 jobs. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is currently contesting this rule in court.
Unrest at Columbia University and Anti-Semitism
Lankford stated to NewsNation that protests at Columbia University seemed to be about more than anger over the crisis in Gaza and expressed concern over the rise of anti-Semitism.
Israel’s Right to Defend Itself
Mullin expressed on Fox News that the U.S. should back Israel’s actions in regard to Hamas and Gaza, equating Hamas’ attack on Israel to the 9/11 attacks on the U.S.
Need for Regulation of In Vitro Fertilization
Congressman Josh Brecheen called for more regulation of in vitro fertilization, expressing concern over the number of embryos created and destroyed and potential eugenics practices.
Investment in Weather Systems
After 38 tornadoes touched down in Oklahoma, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Weather Reauthorization Act, proposed by 3rd District Congressman Frank Lucas, which includes forecasting research and development. Lucas emphasized the importance of investing in the country’s weather system.
Abandoned Oil and Gas Wells
The House passed legislation co-sponsored by Fifth District Congresswoman Stephanie Bice and backed by Lucas to help identify abandoned oil and gas wells and address the environmental hazards they cause.
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