medicaid expansion

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 American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network says two measures that would clear a path for adjusting or reversing Medicaid expansion could threaten access to preventive care and screenings.

Oklahoma Republican lawmakers are dead-set on reversing a 2020 vote to enshrine Medicaid expansion in the state's constitution. Their two-prong effort to remove the language and shrink Soonercare in the state came as a surprise to the Democratic minority.

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.

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.

OHCA received enhanced federal funds during the COVID-19 pandemic and incentives for expanding Medicaid. Now that the enhanced dollars have ended, the agency must bridge the gap.

A study into health coverage rates for kids ranked Oklahoma first in the nation for its gains over the past few years. But much of those gains will likely be lost when the federal government stops its COVID health emergency policies.