Medicaid

Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt criticized Attorney General Gentner Drummond for his independent audit request of the state’s Medicaid agency.

House Speaker Kyle Hilbert said it was the only way to get a sought-after state question on ballot before they adjourn sine die.

Drummond’s office stated it has substantial cause to believe the agency is failing to oversee its contracted managed care organizations.

State questions proposing Constitutional amendments have been a notable feature of the 2026 Oklahoma legislative session, and there are more on the way.

The state’s largest physicians’ organization denounced House Bill 4063, which passed the House floor Tuesday. The group argued against a special election, where voter turnout is generally lower.

Republican leadership said they want to avoid “ballot fatigue” by having voters consider these measures in August instead of the November general election.

Oklahoma senators passed two measures Tuesday that could pave the way for changes to voter-approved Medicaid expansion, which currently covers health care for 228,000 Oklahomans.

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.