October 23, 2012

OHCA Contacts: Jo Kilgore - (405) 522-7474, Carter Kimble - (405) 522-7510

Oklahoma Cares, an Oklahoma Health Care Authority (OHCA) program, has brought health care access to more than 28,000 women for the treatment of breast and cervical cancer.

The program helped some 13,147 women this year who met income qualifications and needed diagnostics or treatment but had no health insurance to help pay for the needed medical care.

“Early detection and intervention of breast and cervical cancer is always a priority for the Oklahoma Health Care Authority. National Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an ideal time to make sure the public is informed on the health care needs of this program. Oklahoma Cares meets a well-recognized need for low-income women in Oklahoma and allows us to extend care during this critical time,” said Dr. Garth Splinter, State Medicaid Director.

The Oklahoma Cares breast and cervical care program provides assistance to women who might have foregone treatment due to the cost. Women between the ages of 19 and 65, who qualify as part of the 7-year-old program, must be screened under the Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (BCCEDP) and have an abnormal screening result, a precancerous condition or need treatment for breast or cervical cancer.

Oklahoma Cares provides SoonerCare (Oklahoma Medicaid) benefits to these qualifying women for the duration of their treatments. This program also provides transportation for women who need assistance getting to their medical appointments.

“These screenings have helped save lives through early detection and treatment in earlier stages of the diseases,” Splinter added.
Oklahoma Cares was created by the Oklahoma Health Care Authority, the Oklahoma State Department of Health, the Cherokee Nation, the Kaw Nation and the Oklahoma Department of Human Services.

Women interested in Oklahoma Cares can find a screening provider in their area or get more information by contacting the Oklahoma State Department of Health at 866-550-5585. Licensed health care providers interested in becoming certified screeners for Oklahoma Cares should call 866-550-5585 or email okcares@health.ok.gov.

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