OKFAHC Launches First-Ever Healthcare Affordability and Access Policymaker of the Year Awards

 For the first time in its history, Oklahoma Families for Affordable Healthcare (OKFAHC) will honor state legislators whose efforts during the 2026 legislative session helped protect Oklahoma consumers from rising healthcare costs.

OKFAHC's new Healthcare Affordability and Access Policymaker of the Year Awards will be presented in November 2026 to state policymakers who have met OKFAHC’s affordability and access criteria. Criteria are aligned with OKFAHC’s goals to prevent healthcare premium hikes, lower prescription drug prices, limit costly unfunded mandates, protect affordable dental care, and promote transparency in billing.

Why publicly commend these legislators? The answer is simple: to encourage state elected officials to ask the tough questions, carefully evaluate legislation, consider how healthcare policy affects people who pay the bills, and take action to prevent cost hikes. Recognizing those who are already making this commitment helps build momentum for continued action on healthcare affordability.

Awards will be presented in two categories:

Gold: Healthcare Affordability and Access Leadership Award

These legislators took meaningful action to advance healthcare affordability and access while helping prevent policies that could unnecessarily increase costs or limit choices for Oklahoma consumers.

Silver: Healthcare Affordability and Access Champion Award

These legislators demonstrated a commitment to understanding and promoting healthcare affordability and/or access. Recipients encouraged thoughtful discussion, supported transparency, engaged with healthcare stakeholders, and helped advance informed, data-driven policymaking that considers how legislative decisions affect the cost of care, access to services, and coverage for Oklahomans.

Why These Awards Matter

Healthcare costs continue to rise, placing increasing pressure on Oklahoma families and businesses. While there is no single cause, several factors contribute to higher healthcare costs, including:

• Unfunded healthcare mandates and other policies that increase costs for patients, employers, taxpayers, and the broader healthcare system.

• Policies that reduce competition or create inefficiencies within the healthcare system.

• A lack of price transparency that makes it difficult for consumers to compare costs, understand their financial responsibility, and make informed healthcare decisions.
  

OKFAHC is accepting nominations from Oklahoma residents, which will be accepted through October 30, 2026.

Nominate a Policymaker

For more information on these awards and the criteria, visit the OKFAHC website.