Years of Advocacy Lead to New Partnership with CMS, Giving Oklahoma Seniors a Stronger Voice in Medicare Advantage

OKLAHOMA CITY – More than 350,000 Oklahoma seniors are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, according to Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) data. As enrollment has grown, so have concerns from members about plan changes, coverage denials and access to care. Through a newly developed reporting system in collaboration with the Oklahoma Insurance Department (OID) and the Oklahoma Health Care Authority, our state is giving seniors a stronger voice and helping state and federal officials identify problems and work toward solutions. 

OID created a reporting form Medicare Advantage members can use to share concerns or suggest changes to their plans. These submissions will be reported directly to CMS, the federal agency that oversees Medicare Advantage plans. 

"Since I’ve been in office, I have traveled each year to Washington, D.C., asking for states to have more authority in Medicare Advantage because no one understands the needs of Oklahoma seniors better than Oklahoma," Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready said. "While Medicare Advantage is regulated by the federal government, this partnership shows what can happen when state and federal leaders work together. Oklahoma seniors now have a direct way to share their concerns with CMS, and we'll continue advocating for improvements that help them get the care they deserve. This is a major step forward for Oklahoma." 

“We're building the kind of oversight Oklahoma seniors deserve,” said Clay Bullard, Cabinet Secretary of Health and Mental Health and CEO of Oklahoma Health Care Authority. “The partnership built with the Oklahoma Insurance Department and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services gives the State a real-time method to catch problems early and push the federal government for solutions.” 

Governor Stitt signed Executive Order 2026-01 to push state and federal officials toward a lasting solution for Oklahoma seniors. With that solution now in place, the Governor has withdrawn the order — replacing a temporary directive with a permanent process.  

Oklahomans with questions or concerns about their Medicare Advantage plan should access the new reporting form or contact the Oklahoma Insurance Department at 800-522-0071 for assistance. 

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