Oklahoma Health Center Leaders Participate in Interim Study
Earlier this month, OKPCA and health center leaders presented to the Joint Committee on Pandemic Relief Funding - Health and Human Services Working Group. OKPCA CEO Sara Barry, Variety Care CMO Dr. Lydia Nightingale, and Stigler Health and Wellness Center Director of Behavioral Health Clark Groethe presented on how health centers responded to COVID-19 (pictured below).
House Energy & Commerce Committee Advances Bill Including Health Center Funding
The House of Representatives has included $10 billion for health center infrastructure (renovated, expanded, new facilities) and $6.3 billion for primary care workforce programs in the Build Back Better Act. The bill is expected to be voted along party lines, but advocates can share their stories on social media and tag Democratic leadership in the House. Sample messages are available here. Speaker Pelosi has set a goal of passing the Build Back Better Act and the bipartisan infrastructure bill by September 27. The House is also expected to take up a continuing resolution the week of September 20, 2021. If the FY22 appropriations bills do not pass by September 30, 2021, a CR will be required to prevent a government shutdown. The House will likely look to pass a CR to fund the government until December 10, 2021.
Medicaid Expansion Enrollees Need to Select PCP
On September 7, the Oklahoma Health Care Authority (OHC) rule regarding Expansion Adults into SoonerCare Choice was signed and certified by the Governor. Members may pre-select a primary care provider (PCP) before October 1 by calling the SoonerCare Helpline at 1-800-987-7767. Members may find CHOICE providers by using the Provider Directory. After October 1, selections through the Soonercare helpline will be processed immediately based on the provider's age availability, and any selections made through agency view and or home view will continue to be processed overnight. Completed PCP action forms for Expansion Adult members will be held and processed after October 1, 2021. OHCA will be taking steps to align those adult members back to their previous PCMH/ PCP they had before transitioned to Expansion or to the family PCMH/PCP if that provider provides care to adults.
If your health center has questions or would like assistance with patient outreach to ensure recently enrolled Expansion adults select the health center as their PCP, contact Cassidy at cheit@okpca.org.