OK HB2399

Creates the Oklahoma Rural Access to Care Act to protect health care access in rural areas where providers are limited by prohibiting insurers from discriminating against rural health care institutes that are the only providers in their county.

Prohibits health insurers from imposing higher copayments, reduced reimbursements, or other penalties on beneficiaries who choose to use a rural health care institute, and prevents insurers from prohibiting participation by rural providers willing to accept plan terms.

Allows health insurers to maintain quality control and cost-containment measures (such as gatekeeper systems) as long as they are applied equally to all providers in the same class.

Applies to all state-regulated health insurers including insurance companies, HMOs, PPOs, and third-party administrators, but excludes self-insured ERISA plans and allows noninsurers to create separate provider networks.

Effective November 1, 2012; permits injunctive relief (but not damages) for rural health care institutes harmed by violations, with the Insurance Commissioner authorized to enforce the law.