Health insurance; providers; general contracting entities; contracts; primary beneficiary; enrollee; effective date.

HB 3259 bans specific restrictive clauses in health insurance provider contracts within Oklahoma. It prohibits "anti-steering" clauses (blocking insurers from directing patients to lower-cost providers), "gag" clauses (preventing disclosure of prices or out-of-pocket costs to patients), and "most favored nation" clauses (forcing uniform rates across insurers). The bill directly affects health insurance providers and "general contracting entities" (insurers or entities managing provider networks), requiring them to prioritize enrollees' interests when directing care. Enrollees gain greater transparency into costs and more choice in providers, as contracts containing these banned clauses are void. The law takes effect November 1, 2026.