New Medicaid delivery system announced

voters approved an expansion of the state’s Medicaid system to include an additional 190,000 Oklahomans.

Since that time, I have worked with other lawmakers to draft legislation that would help us deliver these services in the most efficient and cost-effective manner while improving overall health outcomes for the one million Oklahomans now receiving Medicaid.

We also worked to ensure Oklahoma-based companies were prioritized in managing care for our most vulnerable citizens instead of the state contracting with large, out-of-state insurance companies.

After several years of battling to get the right plan in place, including withstanding a court challenge, I’m pleased to say we’ve codified a system that will transform how the state delivers Medicaid. This system, now called SoonerSelect, prioritizes access and quality health outcomes for members and creates preferential opportunities for Oklahoma provider-led entities to partner with the Oklahoma Health Care Authority as contracted entities. This is all based on Senate Bill 1337, which I authored with Sen. Greg McCortney.

An additional measure, Senate Bill 1396, will help our state draw down additional federal dollars to supplement payments to qualifying providers.

I attended a press conference this past week to announce details of the new model. At the press conference, Kevin Corbett, Secretary of Health and Mental Health, CEO, Oklahoma Health Care Authority, said our legislation resulted in an overwhelming support and approval for the OHCA to make this change to the new delivery system that benefits all involved. Gov. Stitt also thanked Sen. McCortney and me for our legislation and our leadership on  health care policy in the Legislature. 

Corbett noted that for decades Oklahoma has lagged other states in health outcomes and access to care for those who have an inability to pay. This new plan should help change that. 

It should be noted that our legislation was based on input from health care providers around the state including from Medicaid participants, hospitals, clinics, individual practitioners and others. We also intently studied delivery models used by other states, especially those achieving desired outcomes. 

Corbett said in his comments that this new delivery model will be life-changing and life-saving. I wholeheartedly agree. Richie Splitt, President & CEO, Norman Regional Health System, said SoonerSelect is an advanced health care model that will remove many of the burdens that prevent Oklahomans from receiving timely and ongoing care. It will ensure our state’s most vulnerable citizens will have better access to preventative care and care coordination. The system has been designed to inspire people to live healthier lives by taking a more holistic approach.

All involved in this change agree that we want Oklahoma to be a safer, healthier place to live, and this new health care delivery model will help us accomplish that goal. 

Please feel free to contact me at marcus.mcentire@okhouse.gov or (405) 557-7327.