OHCA Addresses Alarmist Claims Following Budget Hearing

Oklahoma City, OK – Following yesterday’s budget hearing with the Oklahoma House of Representatives, The Oklahoman published an article containing inaccuracies that mischaracterized both the Oklahoma Health Care Authority’s (OHCA) work and statements made during the hearing. Payroll has never been in jeopardy. For current programs and services to continue, additional funding is needed.

"We welcome tough questions, but we will not accept reckless, sensationalized reporting that creates confusion and sows dissention," said Clay Bullard, Health Cabinet Secretary and CEO of the Oklahoma Health Care Authority. "Higher utilization leads to higher costs. It’s not a salacious headline, but it’s true – and Oklahoma taxpayers deserve the truth.”

Health care costs and utilization are rising nationwide, and Oklahoma is not immune to these broader market pressures.

“Once expansion was written into the Constitution, providing these services became a legal obligation, not a policy decision,” said Bullard. “We have presented the full cost for projected demands based on our current Medicaid programs, but policymakers have the authority to direct OHCA on policy revisions, mandate reductions and program cuts to draw down the price tag.” 

An estimated 86% of the increase will be federally funded. OHCA is asking the legislature to make a 3.5% investment in a $14 billion program that supports the lives of 1 in 4 Oklahomans.

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