OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. — TLNA delves into the rollout of SoonerSelect, Oklahoma’s new Medicaid managed care model, which has stirred significant debate since its implementation on Apr. 1. State lawmakers mandated this shift through Senate Bill 1337 in 2022, prompting a mixed reception two years later.

Provider Concerns and Public Reaction

During a recent press conference on Jun. 5, providers and citizens voiced growing apprehension, branding Medicaid’s current state a crisis due to SoonerSelect. Under this model, private insurers oversee Medicaid plans, a change affecting approximately 20% of Oklahomans, as reported by the Kaiser Family Foundation in Jun. 2023.

Financial and Operational Challenges

Providers have flagged concerns over delayed payments under the new system, expressing fears about clinic sustainability statewide. Responding to these anxieties, OHCA Chief of Staff Christina Foss emphasized the authority’s commitment to addressing provider grievances promptly.

According to OHCA data, $250 million in claims have been disbursed since Apr. 1, with plans for an additional $500 million injection into state hospitals. New member benefits under managed care include enhanced services like nutritional support and proactive patient interventions.

Legislative and Administrative Responses

State Sen. David Bullard (R-Durant) condemned the rollout, citing widespread discontent among healthcare providers. He called for a pause to address operational issues, which he views as potentially irreversible if not promptly rectified.

In defense of SoonerSelect, OHCA asserts that federal approvals were secured well in advance, ensuring compliance with CMS regulations and the state’s healthcare landscape.

Conclusion: Looking Ahead

Despite differing perspectives, the implementation of SoonerSelect continues to provoke impassioned debate. As stakeholders navigate these early challenges, the future of Oklahoma’s Medicaid program remains a focal point of concern and contention.

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