Health Insurance Program for Small Businesses in Okla. to Expand

New rules expanding a program to help small businesses in Oklahoma provide health insurance for their employees are now in effect.

Gov. Brad Henry announced Oct. 13 that he had signed Oklahoma Health Care Authority rules that expand eligibility for the program from businesses with 25 or fewer employees to businesses with up to 50 workers.

The program was a key part of the governor’s health care agenda in 2004. He signed a bill earlier this year expanding the program.

Under the program, the state pays part of health insurance costs of employers.

“One of the major factors in health care and business costs is the alarming percentage of citizens without health insurance,” Henry said. “By increasing the numbers of Oklahomans with adequate health insurance, we can produce healthier businesses and healthier citizens.”

Under the voluntary program, the state covers 60 percent of the costs, employers pay 25 percent and employees are asked to pay 15 percent.

The program is administered by the OHCA and utilizes matching funds from the federal government.