Health Care Agency Leadership Lays Out Plan to Go Back to Basics

Summary

Oklahoma health agency leaders announced a structural reorganization of the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS), proposing to move Medicaid management back to the Oklahoma Health Care Authority (OHCA) and transfer grant and contract management to the Department of Health. The plan includes a proposed rule change to lower ODMHSAS Medicaid eligibility from 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Level to the standard 138 percent FPL, which officials estimate will reduce state obligations by approximately $10 million annually. Proposed legislation would redirect Medicaid dollars currently allocated to ODMHSAS to OHCA and grant a temporary exception allowing the Commissioner of Health to concurrently oversee both agencies through December 2026.