Healthcare Coalition Releases Statement in Response to Oklahoma Health Care Authority RFP

In response to the OHCA’s recent proposal to transition to a managed care model the CoverOK coalition released the following statement:

“The CoverOK Coalition formed to ensure Oklahomans have access to quality, affordable health care. Oklahoma made great strides by expanding Medicaid coverage to an additional 200,000 Oklahomans this year, and our organizations seek to protect Medicaid access for all Oklahomans who qualify.

“We hope the Oklahoma Health Care Authority’s approach to managed care does not endanger access to care for Oklahomans who need it most. If other states are any example, hasty approaches to managed care are harmful for patients and providers.

“We call on the Oklahoma Health Care Authority to provide clear communication and ample time for community members and stakeholders to weigh in for comment and feedback. We urge Oklahomans to keep in mind the core objective of the Medicaid program: to furnish healthcare to low-income populations who could not otherwise afford it.”

The CoverOK Coalition advocates for the following principles:

• Oklahoma should maximize Medicaid funding to deliver high quality coverage and services to Oklahomans
• All Medicaid eligible Oklahomans should be able to obtain comprehensive health coverage without administrative barriers
• All Medicaid services should be provided with minimal out-of-pocket costs and without dangers of being locked out of coverage
• Medicaid services should be delivered efficiently and transparently and operate without red tape