logo
Login Subscribe
Google Play App Store
  • News
    • Obituaries
    • Lifestyle
    • Opinion
  • Sports
  • E-edition
  • Calendar
  • Archives
  • Contact
    • Contact Us
    • Advertisers
    • Form Submission
    • About Us
    • News
      • Obituaries
      • Lifestyle
      • Opinion
    • Sports
    • E-edition
    • Calendar
    • Archives
    • Contact
      • Contact Us
      • Advertisers
      • Form Submission
      • About Us
Time to elect legislators who will continue the fight against Big Insurance
commentary
July 4, 2024
Time to elect legislators who will continue the fight against Big Insurance
By DR. EDGAR BOYD OSMA PRESIDENT,

While much can be done inside doctors’ offices and hospitals to improve the health of our communities, it’s essential to recognize the vital role Oklahoma’s legislators play in crafting and supporting policies that benefit patients and advance medical practice. Organizations like the Oklahoma State Medical Association (OSMA) advocate on behalf of patients and physicians with the goal of supporting better health for all Oklahomans.

This goal is one of the things I hope Oklahomans will keep in mind as they vote in the upcoming runoff and general elections.

During my time as an OSMA member – and now president – I’ve witnessed the power of physicians and patients rallying together to promote and protect quality healthcare. Due to this advocacy, the 2024 legislative session was a success, as both patients and their physicians saw exceptional policy victories that will have a far-reaching impact on our state.

One such win was the passage of HB 3190, the Ensuring Transparency in Prior Authorization Act. Prior Authorization is a tool insurance companies use to determine if a patient’s plan will cover a prescription or service. Delays and confusion can impede necessary healthcare treatments for Oklahoma patients and worsen health outcomes.

OSMA’s advocacy at the legislature this year focused on how insurance plan bureaucracy interferes with the physician- patient relationship and harms patient care. Many states have addressed this concern, and we are glad to see Oklahoma join their ranks.

Passed unanimously in both the House and Senate and signed by Gov. Stitt in May, this landmark law will enhance patient care by streamlining prior authorization appeals and improving transparency in health insurers’ decision- making process.

It is imperative that as we go to the polls to choose our legislators and elected leaders, we consider whether or not the candidates on the ballot will protect patients – or insurance company profits. While we were successful this year in gaining some ground in the battle to protect the relationship between patients and their doctors, we know the fight will continue.

Other bills this year raised concerns for Oklahoma’s physicians, especially those that sought to weaken public health and allow those without medical school training to provide primary care. While these bills did not become law during the 2024 session, history suggests that we’ll see them again next year, and a new crop of policymakers will have to consider their impact.

We will undoubtedly continue to see policy proposals that grow insurance bureaucracy, hinder rural access to care and erode the team approach to patient care. It’s our responsibility to

See BOYD, page A5 help bridge the gap between the patients who entrust us with their care and the lawmakers who hold the power to enact laws that could affect them.

Advocacy is an extension of doctors’ oath to do no harm. I’m proud of our work to reject legislation that could undermine Oklahomans’ health and well-being and support policies that can improve our state’s dire health rankings. Together, we can defend the right of all Oklahomans to receive the quality care they deserve. Voting for candidates who will stand up for patients and physicians is a vital next step.

Edgar Morris Boyd, M.D. is an otolaryngologist in Muskogee, where he practices at the Warren Clinic Saint Francis Health System. He is president of the Oklahoma State Medical Association.

Checotah lit up the sky this 4th of July
A: Main, News...
Checotah lit up the sky this 4th of July
By LADONNA RHODES STAFF WRITER 
July 10, 2025
The City of Checotah showed off its bold stripes, bright stars and brave hearts this Fourth of July after working countless hours so residents could celebrate their freedom with lots of family fun and...
this is a test
A: Main, News...
Sexual Assault Awareness Honor Walk
July 10, 2025
Friday, July 11 at 12 p.m. Posey Park, Eufaula Show your support for survivors Take a stand against violence! Muscogee (Creek) Nation Center for Victim Services
this is a test
A: Main, News...
Annual Memorial Service planned at Honey Springs Battlefield
July 10, 2025
CHECOTAH — Honey Springs Battlefield will hold its annual memorial service on Saturday, July 19, at 10:30 a.m. to honor the 162nd anniversary of the Battle of Honey Springs near Checotah. The service ...
this is a test
Farewell to Checotah’s friend, Jerri Reaves
A: Main, News...
Farewell to Checotah’s friend, Jerri Reaves
By LADONNA RHODES STAFF WRITER 
July 10, 2025
Last Thursday family and friends said goodbye to former city councilwoman Jerri Reaves who had passed away on June 26 at the age of 82. Jerri graduated from Checotah High School in 1962. In 1980, she ...
this is a test
News
Trump administration freezes over $70 million state’s education funds
By NURIA MARTINEZ-KEEL OKLAHOMA VOICE 
July 10, 2025
States won’t receive funds from six federal programs, including after-school care and English learner support, until further notice. OKLAHOMA CITY — The Trump administration is indefinitely withholdin...
this is a test
News
Jeff Starling launches campaign for attorney general
July 10, 2025
TULSA ––Jeff Starling, Oklahoma’s Secretary of Energy and Environment, has officially announced his candidacy for Attorney General of Oklahoma. Starling is a conservative, attorney, businessman, and d...
this is a test
United for Oklahoma
ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
Editor Picks
Plumb Theatre News
News
Plumb Theatre News
By MATTIE AND PAUL MALOY PLUMB THEATRE 
July 10, 2025
Never too early to start singing and the HALLELUJAH HONEYS are representative of that. Kate Andrews will be singing and playing with two other Honeys, Aubree,13, and Charlee, 10. They are some cuties ...
this is a test
Freedom Fest
News
Freedom Fest
July 10, 2025
Checotah residents celebrated their freedom with lots of family fun and fireworks on July 4th weekend at Freedom Fest.
this is a test
Police training
News
Police training
July 10, 2025
Recently local law enforcement trained for two days on different scenarios that might arise during traffic stops, hostage situations, domestic disturbances, and more.
this is a test
News
Two from area on UCO Honor Rolls
July 10, 2025
EDMOND - Two from this area have made he University of Central Oklahoma recently announced the students named to the university’s honor rolls; a distinction given to those who achieve the highest acad...
this is a test
Warriors of God, ready yourselves
commentary
Warriors of God, ready yourselves
July 10, 2025
Of my 56 years of being in this world, 50 of those years I have been filled with the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues. I was only six years old when I attended my first Tiger Mount...
this is a test
Facebook
Twitter
Tweets
Twitter
Tweets

MCINTOSH COUNTY DEMOCRAT
300-A S. Broadway
Checotah, OK
74426

(918) 473-2313

This site complies with ADA requirements

© 2023 Mcintosh Democrat

  • Contact
  • Privacy
  • Accessibility Policy