Connie Johnson on Health Care

Get mental health department up to speed by 2020

Richardson: "I do believe the government has a role to play. And I believe as governor you have to have a heart to truly make a difference in these peoples' lives."

Johnson: "Oklahoma is a traumatized state. The trauma that's going on means we need a department that is up to speed by 2020, when mental health will outweigh physical health as the leading problem facing our society."

Expand Medicaid

Expand ObamaCare; finish what we began

A: Strongly support. Improvements and expansion are absolutely needed to the end that we finish what we began: making sure all people have access to quality and affordable healthcare.

Improve ObamaCare and take advantage of its benefits

1. The ACA improves access to insurance coverage and, therefore, care. Insurance companies can no longer deny coverage due to pre-existing conditions. Oklahomans will no longer lose coverage because of a catastrophic health event.
2. The ACA promotes health and wellness through free preventive screenings.
3. The ACA means Oklahoma's young adults can stay on their parents' insurance plan until age 26.

Provide options for Medicaid including private coverage

Summary by Journal Record, March 14, 2006: : Supporters say House Bill 2842, by state Rep. Kris Steele, R-Shawnee, will save more than $100 million while providing program participants health care coverage tailored to their needs. Opponents said they fear the measure could mean reduced services for Medicaid recipients. Under the bill, those on Medicaid would choose from a menu of options, depending on their health-care needs. Participants could choose to opt out of Medicaid and use a state-allocated payment to participate in an employer-sponsored health care plan.

Legislative outcome: Passed House 93-1-7 on May/25/2006; Passed Senate 47-0-1 on May/25/2006; State Sen. Connie Johnson voted YES; Signed by Governor Brad Henry on Jun/9/2006.