OKPOLICY.ORG
An overview of our work on Oklahoma health issues
Oklahoma’s health care system reflects the challenges of a rural, high-poverty state, and we rank among the unhealthiest states in the nation. OK Policy analyzes how federal and state health care policies affect all Oklahomans. We promote policies that will increase access to affordable health care, reduce the number of uninsured, and boost health outcomes.
See all of our health research here.
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Areas of Focus
Child Health & SafetyHealth FundingMedicaidMedical MarijuanaMental HealthSubstance Abuse & AddictionHealth Coverage
Health Facts
Featured Articles and Reports
2026 KIDS COUNT: Oklahoma ranks 44th for child well-being
Oklahoma continues to rank among the bottom 10 states for overall child well-being in the 2026 KIDS COUNT® Data Book, 50-state report of recent data developed by the Annie E. Casey Foundation analyzing how kids are faring nationwide. • KIDS COUNT Interactive Data Book • Oklahoma Data Profile Snapshot For the 2026 KIDS COUNT® Data More...
2020 Focus Areas
OK Policy has determined its focus areas for Oklahoma’s upcoming legislative session based on the organization’s original research, analysis, and feedback from state residents. More...
Want to improve the mental health of Oklahomans? Expand Medicaid.
Oklahoma is in crisis. While need for mental health care climbs, Oklahomans overwhelmingly lack access to the care needed to address these sometimes preventable, always treatable conditions. This has serious consequences: untreated mental illness can mean increased risk for other health problems, incarceration, difficulty keeping a job and keeping up with financial responsibilities, and homelessness. More...
Oklahoma’s progress on child uninsured rate has stalled
All children should be able to see a doctor or fill a prescription when they need to. After all, access to quality health care in childhood makes it more likely that a person will succeed and thrive throughout their life. But in Oklahoma, children are less likely to have access to health care than their More...
Medicaid Expansion’s Track Record Shows It’s a Good Deal for Oklahoma
The successful track record of Medicaid Expansion in states similar to Oklahoma shows that we are making the wrong choice to reject health coverage. More...
Medicaid Proves Its Worth in Oklahoma
[Download full issue brief] [Download 2-page fact sheet] System is Far From ‘Broken’ and is Ready to Handle Expansion Accepting federal dollars to extend Medicaid would provide substantial economic benefits to Oklahoma, save the state millions of dollars that now go to cover the cost of caring for those without insurance, create new jobs in More...
