Oklahoma Families for Affordable Health Care

Oklahomans are already paying more for everyday essentials, why are lawmakers adding another cost at the pharmacy counter? Take action now: okfahc.com/votenoonrising… SB 2074 would tack on a hidden “pill tax” of at least $10 per prescription that hits Oklahomans who buy medications at the counter. Tell your legislators: don’t make healthcare more expensive.

Oklahoma families and employers are sounding the alarm on SB 2074. This bill would act as a new “pill tax,” driving up prescription drug costs across the state. While it may be framed as helping pharmacies, the reality is simple: higher costs don’t disappear—they get passed on to employers, patients, and families. At a time when many Oklahomans are already struggling to afford their medications, this legislation moves us in the wrong direction. Oklahoma needs solutions that lower costs—not policies that raise them. Read more: 👉okbusinessvoice.com/2026/03/26/emp…

HB 4329 and SB 1942 would strip away the pricing protections that keep your dental costs predictable. Without contracted rate requirements, dentists could charge whatever they want, even when you have to pay out of pocket. Contact your legislators today and tell them to vote NO: okfahc.com/opposedentalco…

A new bill could raise your prescription costs by $10 or more per bottle, every time you fill a medication. Speak up before it’s too late. Urge your lawmakers to reject this “pill tax”: okfahc.com/votenoonrising… This is a new burden on patients across Oklahoma.

🍎 National Nutrition Month Healthy food plays a big role in keeping families well. During National Nutrition Month, it’s a reminder that access to affordable, nutritious food helps prevent chronic disease and supports healthier communities across Oklahoma.

🦷 Oral health is health. This World Oral Health Day, we’re highlighting why affordable dental care matters for Oklahoma families. When routine dental care is out of reach, small problems can turn into serious health issues — and even costly emergency room visits. Preventive dental care helps keep families healthy and reduces overall healthcare costs.

Many Oklahomans are worried about what could happen if Medicaid coverage is reduced or taken away. For thousands of families, SoonerCare provides access to preventive care, doctor visits, and essential health services. Changes to the program could leave many without the care they rely on. Policymakers should carefully consider how these decisions affect access to care for Oklahoma families. Read more: kfor.com/news/oklahoma-…

Health insurance premiums are rising across the country — and Oklahoma families are feeling the pressure. Experts at Harvard’s School of Public Health say higher healthcare prices, increased demand for services, and rising costs for new treatments are all contributing to higher premiums. When healthcare costs go up, it affects everyone — families, employers, and patients who depend on affordable coverage to access care. At Oklahoma Families for Affordable Healthcare, we believe policymakers should focus on solutions that protect access and keep healthcare affordable for Oklahoma families. Read more: hsph.harvard.edu/health-policy-…

Healthcare costs continue to rise across the country, putting pressure on families trying to afford coverage and care. Experts say many factors are driving higher healthcare spending — including increased demand for services, new medical technologies, and rising prices across the healthcare system. For Oklahoma families, affordability and access must remain at the center of healthcare policy decisions. Read more: medpagetoday.com/special-report…

Access to mental health care shouldn’t depend on where you live. A bill by Rep. Anthony Moore would help expand access in rural Oklahoma by allowing behavioral health clinical interns to provide Medicaid-reimbursable services under the supervision of licensed professionals. This could help clinics bring more providers into underserved communities and connect more Oklahomans with the care they need. Many rural areas across our state still face serious shortages of mental health providers. Policies that strengthen the healthcare workforce and improve access are critical for Oklahoma families. Read more: okhouse.gov/posts/news-202…

An Oklahoma pharmacist says HB 3538 could close 60+ pharmacies and disrupt specialty medication access for 13,000+ patients. The bill would prohibit PBM-affiliated pharmacies from operating in Oklahoma. Opinion: oklahoman.com/story/opinion/…

Dr. Kelton Oliver of Purcell is a retired Air Force and Public Health Service veteran who’s been caring for rural patients for years. He gets his prescription drugs through TRICARE’s mail-order program, which he says is affordable and reliable. He’s opposing House Bill 3538 because it will disrupt prescription drug services for many Oklahoma veterans and rural residents. Stand up for Oklahoma vets and patients by asking your lawmaker to vote NO on this harmful legislation here: okfahc.com/opposecutstome… #OKLeg #ProtectPatients #SupportVeterans #RuralHealthcare #MedicationAccess #TRICARE

A new article in The McCarville Report covers findings from the CHESS statewide survey — and the message from Oklahomans is clear. ▪️ 72% experienced a healthcare affordability burden ▪️ 68% have delayed or skipped care due to cost ▪️ 39% report draining savings or taking on debt because of medical bills ▪️ More than 80% want lawmakers to disclose cost impacts before passing healthcare mandates Oklahomans are asking for affordability and transparency — and that’s exactly why OKFAHC supports HB 1161. Read the full story here: mccarvillereport.com/archives/63405

Oklahoma leaders, health professionals, and community advocates are gathering to discuss strategies for improving health outcomes across our state as part of the Healthy City Initiative’s upcoming Health & Wellness Summit. Conversations around prevention, access, and long-term health planning are especially important as many Oklahoma families continue to face affordability challenges and barriers to care. You can learn more here: healthycityinitiative.com

🚨 Will Two State Bills Raise Dental Costs for Oklahoma Families? OKFAHC Executive Director Julie McKone recently joined Freedom’s First News (96.9 FM) to discuss serious concerns about Senate Bill 1942 and House Bill 4329 — two proposals that could increase out-of-pocket costs at the dentist’s office. While these bills are being promoted as “transparency” measures that restore pricing authority to dentists, the reality may be very different. Today, when dentists join an insurance network, they voluntarily agree to contracted pricing. Those agreements protect families by capping what patients can be charged — even when services exceed coverage limits. That pricing structure provides predictability and shields families from inflated retail rates. SB 1942 and HB 4329 would remove those pricing protections for certain services, allowing charges above negotiated rates. The likely result? Higher out-of-pocket costs for Oklahoma families. Nearly 40% of Oklahoma adults already delay dental care because of cost. Removing existing pricing ceilings does not increase transparency — it shifts more financial risk onto patients, often when they are already in the dental chair and cannot realistically “shop around.” 🎥 Watch the full interview here: youtube.com/watch?v=RDgtPQ… 📢 Take action in one click: Urge your legislators to oppose these bills: okfahc.com/opposedentalco…

🎙️ Healthcare Costs Are Rising — Oklahomans Are Feeling It OKFAHC Executive Director Julie McKone joined Jason Doyle live on Oklahoma’s Freedom’s First News 96.9 FM to discuss new statewide survey findings on healthcare affordability. The numbers are clear: ▪️ 67% say the healthcare system is unaffordable ▪️ 92% say costs are still rising ▪️ Nearly 3 in 4 worry about affording care in the future ▪️ 7 in 10 have delayed or skipped treatment because of cost “When costs get too high, people put off care — and that can lead to bigger health problems down the road.” The conversation also highlighted strong public support for greater transparency in healthcare policymaking and why HB 1161 is a practical step toward accountability. 🎥 Listen to the interview here: okfahc.com/post/okfahc-s-…

Millions of Americans are entering 2026 facing significantly higher health insurance costs because enhanced Affordable Care Act premium tax credits — expanded during the pandemic to make coverage more affordable — have expired. Premiums for many Marketplace plans are expected to rise sharply as a result, putting added strain on families who already struggle with health care costs. Ensuring access to affordable, quality health coverage remains critical for Oklahoma families. 🔗 pbs.org/newshour/healt…

92% of Oklahomans support prohibiting hospital “facility fees” at outpatient clinics, according to statewide survey results. These surprise charges can add significant, unexpected costs and confusion for patients. See the full survey results: healthcarevaluehub.org/consumer-healt… We regularly hear from families frustrated by rising healthcare and medication expenses — especially those managing chronic or life-threatening conditions. Oklahomans are calling for fair, transparent pricing and more affordable care.

House Bill 4275 removes unnecessary barriers so certified behavioral health case managers and peer recovery support specialists can serve in more community settings — including alongside first responders and local law enforcement. These professionals help connect individuals in crisis to treatment and community resources, strengthening local response systems and improving access to care across Oklahoma. HB 4275 passed the House and now moves to the Senate. We’re glad to see progress on legislation aimed at strengthening access to care. Read more: okhouse.gov/posts/news-202…

92% of Oklahomans say their healthcare costs are rising, according to statewide survey results. Explore the data: healthcarevaluehub.org/consumer-healt… OKFAHC regularly hears from families facing higher premiums, expensive medications, and chronic care bills. Affordable care is more urgent than ever.