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Policy Update 6/4/21

By Cassidy Heit posted 06-18-2021 09:41

  

OK Supreme Court Invalidates Managed Care Contracts


The Oklahoma Supreme Court ruled 6-3 on Tuesday that the Oklahoma Health Care Authority (OHCA) lacked the authority to implement a new privatized managed care delivery system for Medicaid. The decision found that the Oklahoma Legislature had not authorized the creation of SoonerSelect and that OHCA had also not promulgated necessary rules to govern the program.

In wake of the decision, Governor Stitt issued a statement saying, "The Supreme Court's ruling will unnecessarily delay Oklahoma's efforts to improve health outcomes through managed care, which the Legislature confirmed is the right path forward for our state through Senate Bill 131. I will continue to work with the Oklahoma Health Care Authority to determine the next steps in the process."

The Legislature is slated to reconvene in October to work on redistricting. Legislative leaders like Rep. Marcus McEntire agree that more work needs to be done to improve Medicaid delivery.  "It is time to bring in all the stakeholders to negotiate a deal in good faith that ensures our Medicaid members receive quality care and our health providers are supported," McEntire told eCapitol.

Tens of Thousands of Oklahomans Sign Up for Medicaid Coverage
 

Tuesday was the first day eligible Oklahomans could sign up to receive coverage through Medicaid expansion. The Oklahoma Health Care Authority announced that by noon on Thursday, over 30,000 enrollments had already been made. Over 200,000 adults 19-64 are expected to gain coverage.

Social media graphics in English and Spanish are available to get the word out. If you'd like graphics customized for your organization, contact Cassidy at cheit@okpca.org.
 

Doctors of Community (DOC) Act Would Permanently Authorize THCGME Program

On Wednesday, House Energy and Commerce Chairman Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Chairwoman Patty Murray (D-WA) announced legislation to permanently authorize the Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education (THCGME) program and expand the number of Teaching Health Center residency programs. The DOC Act will significantly improve access to health care for millions of Americans, particularly those living in rural and urban medically under-resourced communities. It will also ensure each state has at least one Teaching Health Center, would fund an additional 100 new programs in high need communities and create an estimated 1,600 new resident physician slots. The DOC Act was introduced in the House on June 1, 2021 and will be introduced in the Senate next week. NACHC has endorsed the bill.
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