State Senate Approves $17.7M Funding To Prevent OHCA Rate Cuts

The Senate approved $17.7 million in funding for the Oklahoma Health Care Authority (OHCA) to prevent provider rate cuts, according to a release issued Wednesday.

According to the release, issued by Senate President Pro Tempore Mike Schulz’ office, the Senate also approved an additional $26.5 million in funding for the Department of Human Services (DHS) to make up a portion of the agency’s funding.

“Provider rates were in jeopardy of being cut after the budget agreement reached during the first special session was vetoed. Protecting provider rates is essential to ensuring Oklahomans, especially rural Oklahomans, have access to their doctors and other health care providers. The Senate’s vote today protects an essential part of our state’s health care system,” said President Pro Tempore Mike Schulz, R-Altus.

The Oklahoma Supreme Court found struck down the “Cigarette Tax”, resulting in $215 million in lost funding in an earlier budget bill.

The funding approved by the Senate on Wednesday ensures OHCS and DHS have enough funding through April, the release states.