Governor Stitt, State Health Officials Celebrate New Health Care Model for Oklahomans
Governor Kevin Stitt, Secretary Kevin Corbett and Commissioner Carrie Slatton-Hodges held a press conference this morning at Norman Regional Health System Education Center to celebrate Oklahoma Health Care Authority’s new health care model.
“For far too long, our state has been complacent with last place when it comes to health outcomes, but enough is enough,” said Gov. Stitt. “I will never stop working to improve the quality of life and quality of care in our great state.”
The transition to a new health care model follows the governor’s signing of two delivery reform bills, SB 1337 and SB 1396.
SB 1337 codifies the system design for a transformed Medicaid program, which prioritizes access and quality health outcomes for SoonerCare members and creates preferential opportunities for Oklahoma provider led entities to partner with OHCA as contracted entities under this new model.
SB 1396 brings a unique opportunity to invest additional funding into the Oklahoma health care community by drawing down additional federal dollars in the form of supplemental payments to qualifying providers.
“Oklahoma has ranked far too low, compared to other states, in health outcomes for our citizens,” said Sec. Corbett. “We can no longer continue down this path. SoonerSelect is a significant opportunity to positively change lives for our fellow Oklahomans.”
“Increasing access to mental health resources for Oklahomans is crucial to improving the overall quality of life in our State,” said Commissioner Slatton- Hodges. “I am proud to support this new effort that will significantly aid in providing those additional resources.”
The governor was joined by hospital leaders at the press conference who voiced their support for the new plan.
“As a health system which includes hospitals and physician clinics, Norman Regional understands the importance of affordable access to healthcare. It is imperative that all Oklahomans, especially our most vulnerable, have a good relationship with a primary care physician or provider,” said Richie Splitt, president and CEO of Norman Regional Health System. “Working as a team the patient and provider can manage or prevent conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. Working together, we can all improve health outcomes for Oklahomans.”
A medical and dental RFP is expected to be finalized and made public by fall 2022. The anticipated implementation date of the new delivery system is October 1, 2023, subject to the requirements and approval of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
