The federal budget bill signed into law this summer dramatically cuts funding to Medicaid, also known as SoonerCare and SoonerSelect in our state. More than a million Oklahomans rely on this program to cover healthcare costs.
What’s at Stake
What's Happening
The changes take effect gradually in the next several years and will have a serious impact on access to hospital care in communities across our state. Key elements of the new law include:
New requirements for people on Medicaid to demonstrate that they work and prove their eligibility more frequently, introducing more paperwork and new barriers for low-income Oklahomans to enroll in the program.
Reduced funding for hospitals that care for patients on Medicaid through a cap on state-directed payments. This cap will result in payments for care delivery that are pushed to levels below the cost of delivery.
Shorter period for patients to file claims with Medicaid for the care they need.
What It Means for Us
The latest cuts to Medicaid will threaten healthcare access and affordability for all Oklahomans—regardless of coverage.
Reduced Access to Care:
Reduced Medicaid funding is expected to lead to hospital and clinic closures, service reductions, staffing shortages and longer wait times for care. These closures affect all Oklahomans, not just those insured by Medicaid.
More Uninsured Oklahomans:
Families across Oklahoma could lose access to affordable healthcare they need: including veterans, pregnant women, seniors, babies, people with disabilities, and low-income adults.
Unhealthier Communities:
When people don’t have health insurance, they skip preventive care visits and wait until their health is an emergency.
More Expensive Care:
It’s already hard to afford healthcare. When more people in Oklahoma are uninsured, healthcare costs could increase for everyone in the state to make up for it – not just people who are on Medicaid. Oklahomans will have to pay more for doctors’ visits, medicines, nursing home care, and other critical services.
Weakened OK Economy:
Many businesses in Oklahoma rely on Medicaid for health insurance for their employees and their families. When workers don’t have insurance, they are more likely to miss work due to illness. It’s time to prepare Oklahomans for these devastating changes to healthcare in our state. Stay connected to the Coalition to help us advocate for policies and programs that will protect access to care for our friends and neighbors.