Medicaid Proposes 5% Rate Cut in Oklahoma

   In Oklahoma, nurse practitioners and physician assistants are facing potential 5% cuts aimed at fee-for-service rates. The proposed budget cuts that came from the state’s Medicaid Agency was recommended by the Oklahoma Health Care Authority. Originally the proposal was to pay these nurse and physician assistants only 85% of the rate of doctors, which would be a 15% cut. Healthcare providers expressed concern over this since 3,250 providers would be affected by the more substantial cut. Due to extra savings, the Agency was able to suggest the lesser rate cut of 5%. This cut is still not at all desirable among many Oklahoma providers in great need of Medicaid funding.              

    The Medicaid Agency was rushing to make almost $40 million in budget cuts to balance their budget yet again. The 5% rate cut would save $1.8 million in state dollars and almost $5 million when combined with federal funding. There are health care authorities that will not be affected by the cut such as SoonerExcel or Health Access Network payments. Next Thursdayat the Oklahoma Heath Care Authority, leaders will carefully consider the updated proposed budget cutsi in the State Plan Amendment Rate Committee.

Written by Alison Killian

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Alison Killian is a recent graduate of Grove City College who majored in Business Management and minored in Biology Studies. She is a contributor to Medical Groups and passionate about all facets of healthcare. She plans on continuing work in the healthcare field especially in management. She is very interested in healthcare innovation and finding ways to improve the current system. She hopes to go back to school in a few years to earn a degree in medicine.