Medicaid

Senate President Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton said lawmakers need more time to meet with health care leaders.

The investigation, called Operation Sooner Shield, led to 10 arrests, two surrenders, 10 criminal cases and one civil action.

If approved, the measures could remove Medicaid expansion from the state constitution or allow the Legislature to not fully cover its costs if federal support changes.

Oklahoma officials are proposing major structural changes to the state's health care system, including privatizing some mental health facilities or shifting them to new agency control.

Funding will support one-time purchases of equipment and other assets. The goal is to improve health care access, outcomes and community wellness in rural communities.

The report was prepared by economist Dr. Russell Evans for Care Providers Oklahoma, which represents a portion of the state’s nearly 300 nursing homes.

The bill author said he could not quantify how frequently this is occurring in Oklahoma, as he didn't review that with the state Medicaid agency.

Gov. Kevin Stitt called on the legislature to send a question to voters that would allow for “adjustments” to Medicaid expansion during his State of the State address Monday.

This legislative session, Oklahoma lawmakers will consider hundreds of health bills on various topics.

The state received one of the highest Rural Health Transformation Program investments nationally, only ranking behind California, Montana, Alaska and Texas.