Stitt and Health Care Authority CEO seek reform to Medicaid program

GOVERNOR KEVIN STITT, OHCA CEO KEVIN CORBETT SEEK REFORM TO OKLAHOMA’S MEDICAID PROGRAM

OKLAHOMA CITY (June 18, 2020)— In order to improve Oklahoma’s health outcomes, increase access to health care and foster a more accountable system, the Oklahoma Health Care Authority (OHCA) will seek proposals from qualified managed care organizations to facilitate health care services to eligible and enrolled members of Oklahoma’s Medicaid program, commonly known as SoonerCare. The managed care organizations' contracts will require them to share the financial risk associated with providing care to members. The request for proposals is expected to be released this fall.

“I am committed to making Oklahoma a Top Ten state in health outcomes, and engaging providers through a managed care organization will help us achieve our goal of ensuring Oklahomans receive improved access and quality care,” Governor Kevin Stitt said. “While we do expect cost savings to follow the improved health outcomes, the state will continue to be laser-focused on helping Oklahomans.”


The request for proposals will seek managed care organizations that will advance the goal of the SoonerCare program and offer innovative strategies to increase access to quality care and improve health outcomes for Oklahomans through care coordination, the prioritization of preventive care and encouraging members to seek care from the appropriate provider type.

“Our commitment is to serving Oklahomans in the best way possible,” OHCA CEO Kevin Corbett said. “An MCO program will allow the state to coordinate SoonerCare members’ needs in the best way possible with providers, while containing costs through a capitated, risk-based model.”

The state will hold managed care organizations accountable for their performance and service to SoonerCare members. OHCA will determine the range of functions for which managed care organizations are responsible, including establishing and managing an adequate provider network, paying providers, managing utilization and coordinating care.

After it is posted, interested parties may view the request for proposals here: http://www.okhca.org/about.aspx?id=74.