Insurance, Health departments negotiating HMO issue

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- Discussions are under way to give the state Insurance Department some regulatory control of H-M-O's.

Insurance Commissioner Carroll Fisher has proposed that his department regulate H-M-O's, saying consumers are confused.

H-M-O's are currently regulated by the state Health Department.

The proposal would allow the Insurance Department to oversee claims handling and financial performance. The Health Department would retain control over medical issues related to H-M-O's.

Fisher says only minor legislative action will be needed to complete the deal.