Okla. Stat. tit. 56, § 56-1009.1: Short title - Legislative findings

A. Sections 1 and 2 of this act shall be known and may be cited

as the “All Kids Act”.

B. The Legislature finds that, for the economic and social

benefit of all residents of the State of Oklahoma, it is important

to enable all children of this state to access affordable health

insurance that offers comprehensive coverage and emphasizes

preventative health care. Numerous studies, including the Institute

of Medicine’s report, Health Insurance Matters, demonstrate that

lack of insurance negatively affects health status. The Legislature

further finds that access to health care is a key component for

children’s healthy development and successful education. The

effects of lack of insurance also negatively impact those who are

insured because the cost of paying for care for the uninsured is

shifted to those who have insurance in the form of higher health

insurance premiums. A Families USA 2005 report indicates that by

2010, family premiums in Oklahoma will increase by Two Thousand

Eleven Dollars ($2,011.00) due to cost-shifting from the uninsured.

It is, therefore, the intent of the All Kids Act to provide access

to affordable health insurance to all children in Oklahoma.