OKLAHOMA CITY — A handful of state legislators have gone against a majority of senators, removing the widely supported Corn Amendment without public input or answering for their actions.

The amendment would have prohibited insurance companies from financially rewarding employees who deny claims.

“It’s a shame that this didn’t pass. My colleagues missed an opportunity to protect Oklahomans from the obviously immoral practice of paying to deny care for the sick and dying. Forty-four senators voted to ban this practice, but it was stripped under cover of darkness. The Legislature needs to better scrutinize these types of practices,” said Sen. Kenneth Corn, author of the amendment. “Those who did this need to come forward and explain themselves.”

Corn amended House Bill 1055, which has reached the governor’s desk and deals with insurance company payments to doctors. The amendment received bipartisan support.

The amendment was headed to conference committee but was removed at the last minute. It’s unclear who’s responsible. The bill was on its way to defeat, but prominent Republican legislators stepped in to ensure its passage.

“Without public input, a handful of legislators have refused to stand up to one of the insurance industry’s most repugnant practices. What are they afraid of? Why is it necessary for insurance companies to reward employees for letting paying policyholders die?” said Dr. Rene McNall-Knapp, a pediatric neuro-oncologist and advocate for greater health insurance industry transparency, accountability and responsibility.