Osage County Identified as County with Low SoonerCare Enrollment Numbers

Media Contact: 

Melissa Richey, Chief of Communications
405-982-8707 | melissa.richey@okhca.org

Katelynn Burns, Director of Public Affairs 
405-522-7266 | katelynn.burns@okhca.org

The Oklahoma Health Care Authority encourages those residents in Osage County, who qualify for SoonerCare through Medicaid expansion, to apply for benefits. OHCA expanded Oklahoma’s Medicaid program, SoonerCare, to provide health care coverage to adults ages 19-64 whose income is 138% of the federal poverty level or lower. 

Since June 1, OHCA has enrolled 740 Oklahomans in Osage County. However, demographic information provided by the 2020 Census shows Osage County to have more than 1,400 men and women who still might be eligible to receive health care benefits.

“Our team at OHCA has worked hard to find areas in Oklahoma with potential members who are eligible for benefits,” said Kevin Corbett, CEO of OHCA and Secretary of Health and Mental Health. “These Oklahomans may not know they can have access to healthcare. It’s important we use every avenue to get them the information they need, so they can enroll.”

Below is a detailed breakdown of those Oklahomans in Osage County who applied for SoonerCare through Medicaid expansion:

On June 30, 2020, the Oklahoma Medicaid Expansion Initiative, State Question 802, passed by a majority vote to expand Medicaid eligibility to adults ages 19-64 whose income is 138% (133% with a 5% disregard) of the federal poverty level or lower. This equates to an estimated annual income of $17,796 for an individual or $36,588 for a family of four.

Oklahomans can apply for SoonerCare several ways:

• Online at www.MySoonerCare.org via a computer or mobile phone;
• By calling the SoonerCare helpline at 800-987-7767;
• Filling out an English or Spanish paper application and mailing it to the address on the application;
• Or through one of our agency partner facilities.

If applicants do not have access to a computer at home, they can visit their local library to access a public computer. OHCA is also working with Tulsa Responds, a free navigation service, to provide FREE enrollment assistance over the phone or by video throughout the entire state of Oklahoma. Tulsa Responds will walk applicants through the application and help them schedule their first doctor’s appointment, set up free transportation, and more. Applicants can call 918-900-0918 and select option 3 to speak with a navigator.

“Healthcare can make a huge difference in a person’s life,” said Kevin Corbett, OHCA CEO and Secretary of Health and Mental Health. “Having quality healthcare coverage can be just a few clicks away for Osage County residents who haven’t applied yet. I encourage them to apply and start making strides toward a healthier lifestyle.”

SoonerCare provides coverage for dental care, preventive care, family planning services, behavioral health, and substance abuse services as well as inpatient hospital services. To learn more about SoonerCare coverage, visit https://oklahoma.gov/ohca/individuals/mysoonercare.html.

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