Press Release

November 8, 2016

OHCA Contacts: Jo Kilgore - (405) 522-7474, Jennie Melendez - (405) 522-7404 

 OHCA and Tribal Leaders convene for 10^th Annual Tribal Consultation  

OKLAHOMA CITY – Representatives from the Oklahoma Health Care Authority (OHCA) met recently with tribal leaders from across the state for a roundtable discussion on tribal health topics.

The annual consultation provides an opportunity for Oklahoma tribes to receive updates, as well as give input and ask questions about SoonerCare (Oklahoma Medicaid) and Insure Oklahoma.  The meeting also brings state tribal leaders together to brainstorm and share best practices with OHCA.   

This year’s consultation got underway with a breakfast sponsored by the Southern Plains Tribal Health Board (SPTHB); followed by opening remarks from SPTHB Executive Director Jennifer LittleSun, and Ed McFall, OHCA board chairman. After individual introductions of tribal leaders, OHCA Tribal Government Relations Director Dana Miller presented a report to the group.

“OHCA tremendously values our tribal leader partners. Actions are being made to resolve issues that were brought to light during discussions like these. They are the experts regarding the health care needs of their citizens. We are thankful for their collaboration and the opportunity to create solutions together,” said Miller.   

Topics of concern this year included transportation solutions, access to care issues for rural tribal communities, eldercare and telemedicine.    

Fourteen elected tribal leaders and 17 tribal representatives were in attendance in addition to OHCA board member Ann Bryant and dozens of key stakeholders and tribal designees. Cherokee Nation Business provided the meeting room at the Hard Rock Hotel and Conference Center in Catoosa for the event.    

The feedback and ideas discussed at the consultation will now develop the agenda for the upcoming tribal partnership planning session scheduled for early 2017. If you are interested in attending to develop an action plan for the year, contact tribalrelations@okhca.org.

The Oklahoma Health Care Authority (OHCA) administers two key health programs for the state. The first is SoonerCare, Oklahoma’s Medicaid program. SoonerCare works to improve the health outcomes of Oklahomans by ensuring that medically necessary benefits and services are responsive to the health care needs of our members. Qualifying Oklahomans include certain low-income children, seniors, the disabled, those being treated for breast or cervical cancer and those seeking family planning services. The second program OHCA operates is Insure Oklahoma, which assists qualifying adults and small business employees in obtaining health care coverage for themselves and their families. OHCA strives to educate and engage our current 805,388 members regarding personal responsibilities for their health services utilization, behaviors, and outcomes in partnership with a state-wide network of 48,224 providers. For more information, visit www.okhca.org or www.insureoklahoma.org.