Administrative Letter 23-03

February 22, 2023
 

Dear valued providers,

Oklahoma Human Services is incredibly grateful for your recent participation in the provider rate study conducted by Guidehouse. Your engagement and time resulted in a report that provides rich, validated information about how the agency could further support our incredible network of providers. It also sets the stage for robust discussions that will inform our work together and the agency’s strategic decisions going forward. We have attached the Oklahoma Rate Studies final report for your review.

The rate study provides valuable information to help inform future rate adjustments requested by Oklahoma Human Services. While the agency does not have a current budget request this legislative session related to the rate study, we will continue to work with our provider networks to find strategic solutions to help with staffing and other issues your industries are facing.

We are appreciative for the historic investment by the legislature last year to fund the complete elimination of our state’s waitlist for Developmental Disabilities Services (DDS) for those on the list prior to May 1, 2022. This investment included significant rate increases for both our DDS and Community Living, Aging and Protective Services (CAP) providers.

This year’s budget request focuses on an increase in state appropriations to fund a rate increase for the state’s Child Care Subsidy program. The main funding source of the program is the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG), which requires a state match to draw down the federal funds.

Again, thank you for your time and dedication to this process and for your service to the community. We could not do this important work without you.

Thank you,
 

Deborah Shropshire, MD
Director of Human Services