Topic: Medicaid

Medicaid expansion has helped Oklahomans weather the pandemic

Throughout this pandemic — and particularly since the implementation of Medicaid expansion in 2021 — Medicaid has fulfilled its purpose: facilitating access to affordable and comprehensive health coverage for those who might otherwise go without health care. State and federal actions have helped maximize the impact of Medicaid, and moving forward we should continue to prioritize accessible coverage for all eligible Oklahomans.  [More...]

Medicaid expansion is working just as expected

Oklahoma has successfully expanded Medicaid, as more than 210,000 Oklahomans have enrolled in expansion and there have been substantial declines in the uninsured rate across all demographics. Though it is too soon to definitively identify the long-term benefits for the… Read more [More...]

Thanks to Oklahoma voters, the state is already reaping the benefits of Medicaid expansion

Medicaid expansion went into effect just over two months ago, and some of these benefits are already playing out in the state. Oklahoma has historically had a very high uninsured rate, ranking second highest in the nation with 14.3 percent of the population without health insurance.   [More...]

Fifty-six years of Medicaid: Fiscally responsible and morally mandated

Per capita Medicaid costs have grown at slower rates than both Medicare and private insurance, and the program has become more efficient as the cost per enrollee has declined in recent years. This investment pays off, as healthier Oklahomans are better able to work, parent, and pay taxes. [More...]

Medicaid expansion will improve mental health in Oklahoma (Guest Post)

The passage of Medicaid expansion and opening up of enrollment in June are positive steps in improving Oklahoma’s ranking as 41st in the nation for adult mental health. [More...]

OK Policy to host June 30 event to celebrate Medicaid expansion, provide resources for Oklahomans

Thanks to voter-approved Medicaid expansion, more than 100,000 Oklahomans will finally have health care coverage starting on July 1. To celebrate this historic milestone, Oklahoma Policy Institute is hosting a June 30 event to reflect on the journey to this… Read more [More...]

KIDS COUNT 2021: Smart policy decisions can help improve Oklahoma’s dismal child well-being outcomes

Oklahoma children need housing, food, health care, educational opportunities, and stable, nurturing environments to succeed. These essentials, however, are out of reach for many Oklahomans as the result of poverty, structural racism, and other barriers. [More...]

The 2021 session proved a mixed bag for health issues

With Medicaid expansion finally funded, the state now has a number of common sense options to maximize federal Medicaid spending and further ensure access to high-quality, affordable health care for all.  [More...]

Managed care isn’t a silver bullet: Improving Oklahoma’s health outcomes requires multi-faceted investments

We must look at the factors that actually impact health and increase our investment in the mental, physical, and economic well-being of all Oklahomans.  [More...]

Budget, managed care remain major items as session winds down (Capitol Update) 

Time is closing in on legislators. The constitutional deadline for sine die adjournment is the last Friday in May, which this year May 28. But in the past few years the Legislature has recessed before the deadline to give itself… Read more [More...]