Stitt has proposed participation in a federal block grant program to expand Medicaid with work requirements and premiums. He announced his plan after supporters of straight Medicaid expansion gathered enough signatures to put the issue on a statewide ballot in the form of State Question 802. Stitt has yet to set an election.

A decade ago, the state decided not to participate in Medicaid expansion.

The fee increase bill appeared on legislative committee agendas on Wednesday but was never taken up.

Senate Bill 1046 was opposed by the Oklahoma Hospital Association.

“Hospitals will not have adequate time to budget for this July 1 expenditure and that could cause significant issues, especially for already struggling rural hospitals upon which Oklahoma patients rely,” said Patti Davis, Oklahoma Hospital Association president.

Rep. Forrest Bennett, D-Oklahoma City, called it a desperate attempt to try to get Stitt’s plan funded before people get to vote on SQ 802.