Clock is ticking for Insurance Consumers Protection Act to be heard on senate floor before end of session

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — The clock is ticking for House Bill 2144 to be heard on the senate floor with less than three weeks left in this year's legislative session.

If signed into law, the bill would give patients and their doctors the right to sue medical companies who deny or delay care in bad faith.

The Insurance Consumers Protection Act passed the house floor in March.

It was then stalled, but because of News 4's reporting, it was put on the agenda for the Senate Rules Committee Meeting, passing with overwhelming support.

Pat Hall is a spokesperson for the Oklahoma State Medical Association, saying "It would make the health insurance companies wake up and realize that deny and delay of a medical benefit could lead to harm."

Lacy Cornelius-Boyd has been fighting for her life and fighting against her insurance company after being in a devastating car crash.

Cornelius-Boyd needs an intestinal transplant, but her insurance company has denied it more than once, adding to health challenges. She's now in kidney and liver failure.

"Since my car accident, I've been saying, like, something good has to come from this," Cornelius-Boyd said.

She's chosen to use her tragic experience to do something good, putting the issue on the radar of state lawmakers.

However, the bill still has a long way to go.

The legislation now has to be heard on the senate floor in a matter of weeks.

"What we're asking is for the public to continue putting pressure to pass House Bill 2144," said Hall.

Cornelius-Boyd is also urging Oklahomans to act.

"I feel like it's so important for everyone to stay invested. Keep calling. So that this bill can move forward," said Cornelius-Boyd.

If the bill isn't heard on the senate floor, it will not complete the full legal process to make it to the Governor's desk, which would be the final step getting the bill signed into law.