OK House Speaker comments on BCBS press release

CONTACT:
Jennifer Monies, Press Secretary
Oklahoma House of Representatives
Office of House Speaker Chris Benge
Office: 405-962-7679
Cell: 405-550-8144
Email: jenniferm@okhouse.gov


OKLAHOMA CITY (Dec. 29, 2008) – House Speaker Chris Benge issued the following statement in response to the announcement made today that Blue Cross Blue Shield will offer additional autism coverage to insured groups in Oklahoma effective at the start of their next policy year:

“Today’s Blue Cross Blue Shield announcement is proof that when given the opportunity, the market works to encourage private companies like BCBS to provide services increasingly in demand within a community,” said House Speaker Chris Benge, R-Tulsa. “This debate has never been about a lack of desire to help families with autistic children whom we know are struggling to take care of their kids. We will be seeking ways to help these families without growing the uninsured population in this state or making it even harder for Oklahoma families already struggling to pay for health insurance now.”