Oklahoma had been one of just 14 states that hasn't expanded Medicaid under Obamacare and has the nation's second-highest uninsured rate, behind Texas. But even top Republican officials in Oklahoma recently acknowledged the state would eventually expand Medicaid coverage — it was just a question of how.
Supporters of the ballot measure focused on how Medicaid expansion would increase health care access in Oklahoma and help save the state’s struggling rural hospitals after a run of closures. Opponents contended the program would bankrupt the state, especially during a pandemic that’s whacked Oklahoma’s budget.At least 200,000 Oklahoman adults will be newly eligible for Medicaid, but program enrollment may climb even higher as the state's unemployment rate has surged to nearly 13 percent.
Tuesday's vote may also block Republican Gov. Kevin Stitt from advancing his plans to implement a more limited form of the Medicaid expansion. Stitt is the first governor to seek approval for the Trump administration's new plan to convert a portion of federal Medicaid payments from an open-ended entitlement into a defined lump sum, known as a block grant.
The ballot measure inserts Medicaid expansion into the state’s constitution, which could bar state leaders from making conservative changes to the program, like adding work requirements or premiums. It's an open question whether the ballot measure would preempt a block grant.Oklahoma must submit paperwork to expand Medicaid to the federal government within 90 days.
"I think there is some space for some legal conversations about what our options are," Carter Kimble, a top Oklahoma health official, told POLITICO last week.
Thanx Obama
So we all socialists now?…OK…that wasn’t too bad was it? being able to get affordable healthcare…something Trump, Moscow Mitch and the entire GOP have been fighting tooth and nail to deny you.
(No thanks to the man in that picture, .!) Congratulations, Oklahomans! We finally found a way around our leaders who don’t want us to have health insurance! The title of the article should have started with, “Despite threats from their governor...”
Louisiana expanded Medicaid in 2016 so it is more accurate to call Oklahoma late to this party.
Interesting.
donnabrazile Rural counties (conservatives) voted against it even though it will help keep rural hospitals open. Urban voters made the difference.
(No thanks fo the man in that picture, .!) Congratulations, Oklahomans! We finally found a way around our leaders who don’t want us to have health insurance! The title of the article should have started with, “Despite threats from their governor...”
Smart, caring people.
Smart economic policy.
Kansas was one state senator away from approving Medicaid expansion a few months ago . One republican senator blocked healthcare for 100,000s. I don’t know how she lives with herself.
Patriots silent majority rise! Our time is now..
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