Oklahoma Health Care Authority (Medicaid) · October 24, 2026 · Primary source
OHCA Expands Access to Opioid Use Disorder Treatment During National Recovery Month
Summary
The Oklahoma Health Care Authority (OHCA) has implemented a value-based agreement (VBA) with the manufacturer of Brixadi, a long-acting injectable buprenorphine product used in medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder. The agreement removes the prior authorization requirement for Brixadi, giving SoonerCare members open access to weekly or monthly injectable formulations without administrative barriers. OHCA characterizes itself as the first state Medicaid agency in the nation to use VBA contracting and says the policy is intended to reduce treatment disruptions, particularly for rural members.
What this may mean
Removal of prior authorization for Brixadi under the OHCA VBA means SoonerCare providers can prescribe and dispense the long-acting injectable buprenorphine formulation without pre-approval, directly reducing administrative friction in OUD treatment. The change applies to all SoonerCare members eligible for MAT and is in effect as of the announcement date. For providers in the OUD and behavioral health space, this eliminates a common billing and access barrier and may serve as a model other state Medicaid programs adopt.
Informational only. Not legal, medical, financial, or other professional advice. Always consult a qualified professional familiar with your specific facts before relying on any item.
Related items
- Oklahoma Health Care Authority (Medicaid) · October 24, 2026Health Care Agency Leadership Lays Out Plan to Go Back to BasicsScore 73
- Oklahoma Health Care Authority (Medicaid) · October 24, 2026OHCA Uncovers, Quickly Addresses Foreign Organized Medicaid Fraud RingScore 70
- Oklahoma Health Care Authority (Medicaid) · October 24, 2026OHCA Notifies SoonerCare Members About New Federal Work RequirementsScore 70
- Oklahoma Health Care Authority (Medicaid) · October 24, 2026OHCA Builds on National-Leading Medicaid Accuracy with New Tools to Prevent Fraud and Increase TransparencyScore 68
- Oklahoma Health Care Authority (Medicaid) · October 24, 2026Years of Advocacy Lead to New Partnership with CMS, Giving Oklahoma Seniors a Stronger Voice in Medicare AdvantageScore 50
- Oklahoma Health Care Authority (Medicaid) · October 24, 2026Nearly 600,000 Oklahomans can choose Medicaid health and dental plans starting May 1Score 43