Gov. "disappointed" after passage of bill would halt his care plan

New this evening we're hearing from the governor who isn't happy after a bill passes the house that would undermine his push for health care reform in the state.

Working late last night the House passed Senate Bill 131, which would authorize the health care authority to refine the current health care administrative process and halt the privatization of the state’s Medicaid program.

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It's a bill that's seen a lot of attention over the past few days and even getting some to stand up for it for the first time in years.

"This is the first time I've debated on the floor in three years," said State Rep. T.J. Marti, (R) District 75.

State Rep. T.J. Marti one of the many lawmakers debating in favor of the bill.

"The managed care organization sends a letter that says 'hey eat chicken' and call that managed care we're getting people, doctors that are going to go over their health," said Rep. Marti.

This bipartisan bill saw support and criticism from both sides of the aisle.

RELATED:Oklahoma lawmaker files bill against Stitt's plan to privatize Medicaid

"When we were talking about this bill and all the conversations that I've had with concerned parties that patients aren't really centered in what we're talking about," said State Rep. Merleyn Bell, (D) District 45.

Governor Kevin Stitt today released a statement, pushing his managed care plan which would divide Medicaid dollars between insurance companies.

He said in part...

“It is disappointing that in the dead of night, 57 house republicans voted to grow government and spend $1.2 billion of taxpayer money over 5 years on a one-way ticket to Joe Biden’s socialized health care plan in order to please the Oklahoma hospital association."

The author of Senate Bill 131 says however insurance companies don't have our best interests in mind.

"Why are people unhealthy to begin with. Questions that an insurance company really doesn't have now they may tell us they do but their goal is not to make us healthier it's to have more money running through so they can pay their shareholders," said State Rep. Marcus McEntire, (R) District 50.

Senate Bill 131 passed house 73 to 17.

It now goes to the senate.

Stitt will likely veto the bill if it reaches his desk.

Lawmakers will need a three-fourths majority vote to override it.