News Releases

SoonerCare Health Management Program Saves Millions
Released on May 16, 2013 

The Oklahoma Health Care Authority’s SoonerCare Health Management Program has saved the state of Oklahoma $139.2 million since it began in February 2008, according to an evaluation by the California-based Pacific Health Policy Group. More >> 

OHCA Receives Grant For Health Efforts For Expectant Mothers And Infants
Released on February 21, 2013 

The Oklahoma Health Care Authority (OHCA) has been chosen as one of 27 recipients of the “Strong Start for Mothers and Newborns” Initiative awarded by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Innovation Center. More >> 

OHCA Board Names Gomez As CEO
Released on January 10, 2013

The Oklahoma Health Care Authority Board appointed OHCA Deputy CEO Nico Gomez as Chief Executive Officer during their meeting Jan. 10. Gomez will replace long-time CEO Mike Fogarty who retires in March. More >> 

OHCA’s Tribal Relations Unit Receives National Recognition
Released on October 30, 2012 

The Oklahoma Health Care Authority is proud to announce that their Tribal Relations unit was a 2012 National Indian Health Board (NIHB) Local Impact Award winner. More >>

Oklahoma Cares Helps Battle Breast And Cervical Cancer
Released on October 23, 2012 

Oklahoma Cares, an Oklahoma Health Care Authority (OHCA) program, has brought health care access to more than 28,000 women for the treatment of breast and cervical cancer. More >> 

SoonerCare’s Annual Tribal Consultation To Be Held in October 
Released on October 17, 2012

The Oklahoma Health Care Authority will host their 6th Annual Tribal Consultation meeting at the Citizen Potawatomi Nation Cultural Heritage Center, 1899 South Gordon Cooper Dr., Shawnee, Okla., on Tuesday, Oct. 23 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. More >> 

OHCA Brings A Geneticist On Board
Released on September 26, 2012 

The Oklahoma Health Care Authority is proud to announce and welcome Alison Martinez, Ph.D., in the role as geneticist for the agency. More >> 

SoonerCare Representatives Bringing Community Forum To Stigler On Sep. 6 
Released on August 27, 2012

You are invited to attend a community forum on Thursday, Sep. 6 at 3 p.m. at the KiBois Community Action Center in Stigler. SoonerCare members, providers and interested citizens are asked to participate in this two-way conversation regarding Oklahoma’s Medicaid program. More >> 

SoonerCare Enrollment Passes One Million
Released on August 23, 2012 

The Oklahoma Health Care Authority (OHCA) marked a milestone by providing more than 1 million Oklahomans with access to health care during state fiscal year 2012. The agency has recently launched a campaign, Tell Us Your Story, asking SoonerCare members to share their experiences with the program to help create awareness of the program and its benefits. More>> 

OHCA’s Annual Board Retreat To Be Held In Tulsa
Released on August 14, 2012 

In late August, more than 200 providers, state leaders, consumers and agency partners will gather in the Tulsa Hyatt Regency conference center for the 13th Annual Oklahoma Health Care Authority Board Retreat. More>> 

Supreme Court’s Ruling On Medicaid 
Released on June 28, 2012

The Supreme Court ruled that states have a choice whether to cover additional people through their Medicaid programs. We expect the federal government will issue additional guidance as this ruling is reviewed. The Oklahoma Health Care Authority will look towards Oklahoma’s leadership for direction as to future action. More>> 

Campaign Begins Airing Messages On OETA About Good Health For Kids
Released on June 28, 2012 

The Oklahoma Health Care Authority (OHCA) has joined forces with Smart Start Oklahoma and OETA-TV to create a series of messages highlighting the importance of good health and regular medical checkups for young children. More>> 

OHCA Announces New Chief Medical Officer 
Released on June 26, 2012

The Oklahoma Health Care Authority is proud to announce and welcome Dr. Sylvia Lopez in the role as Chief Medical Officer for the agency. More>> 

For the second time in two months, Oklahoma has been recognized nationally for its efforts in the “text4baby” campaign, which focuses on getting pregnant women and new mothers to enroll in a program designed to improve infant care. More>> 

OHCA Board To Meet In Enid This Month
Released on June 13, 2012

The Oklahoma Health Care Authority Board will hold their monthly meeting at the Autry Technology Center, 1201 W. Willow, Enid, Okla., on Thursday, June 14, at 1 p.m. More>>

Quality Measure Improvements For OHCA’s Focus On Excellence Program
Released on May 9, 2012

The Focus on Excellence (FOE) nursing home rating initiative and quality reimbursement program has been helping consumers make informed decisions along with providing useful information to nursing home managers since 2007. In line with the program’s mission to improve and enhance the overall quality of care being provided in Oklahoma’s nursing home facilities, new performance metrics have been established.  This new metric set is more logically organized and better addresses the most important issues of the Long-Term Care community. More>>

MEETING NOTICE
Released on April 24, 2012

WHAT: The 6th Stakeholder Meeting – Incorporating Public Comment Sessions for the Oklahoma Dual Eligible Proposal

WHERE: Cameron University, CETES Conference Center, Room B, 2800 W. Gore Blvd, Lawton

WHEN: 10 a.m – 2 p.m. Thursday, May 3, 2012 More>> 

Public-Private Partnership Reaps SoonerCare Savings
Released on March 15, 2012 

The Oklahoma Health Care Authority has saved more than a million dollars by partnering with MedSolutions to administer the SoonerCare radiology management program. More>> 

Text4baby Provides Information To Expectant Mothers, Mothers Of Infants
Released on February 28, 2012

Friends and families of women in Oklahoma gathered at the state Capitol Tuesday to take part in a national effort to send and share vital health information via text messages to help women have healthy pregnancies and healthy babies. More>> 

Federal Government Approves Oklahoma Waiver For Hospital Provider Fee
Released on January 19, 2012

OKLAHOMA CITY – After months of working out details, Oklahoma was awarded federal approval for its Supplemental Hospital Offset Provider Payment (SHOPP) program. The Oklahoma Health Care Authority (OHCA) has been working toward approval of the hospital provider fee from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to implement the change since the measure passed last legislative session. More>>

SoonerQuit Helps Oklahoma Land In Top Five Most “Quit-Friendly” States For Tobacco
Released on December 16, 2011

OKLAHOMA CITY – A new report conducted by the American Lung Association (ALA) places Oklahoma as the number four “quit-friendly” state for tobacco users.  The ALA report looked at federal and state level actions that make it easier for smokers to quit, including what tobacco cessation treatments are covered by a state’s Medicaid program. SoonerCare (Oklahoma Medicaid) provides all seven FDA approved medications to help smokers quit. Nicotine gum, patches, lozenges, inhaler, nasal spray, Chantix and Zyban are all covered. More>> 

Oklahoma Cares Helps Battle Cancer
Released on October 20, 2011 

OKLAHOMA CITY – During National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an Oklahoma Health Care Authority (OHCA) official says nearly 27,000 women in Oklahoma have qualified for treatment for breast and cervical cancer or precancerous conditions. They received assistance through a program for women who meet income qualifications and need diagnostics or treatment but have no health insurance to help pay for the needed medical care. More>> 

More Than $50 Million Dispersed In Incentive Money For Docs And Hospitals To Go Electronic
Released on October 4, 2011

OKLAHOMA CITY - The Oklahoma Health Care Authority has awarded more than $51 million in federal funds to incentivize SoonerCare (Oklahoma Medicaid) providers to attain and meaningfully use a certified electronic health record system as part of the Oklahoma State Medicaid Electronic Health Record (EHR) incentive program. More >>

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma Health Care Authority recently named Dr. Doug Cox the recipient of the 2011 Dr. T.J. Brickner, Jr. Defender of Health Care Award. In the selection, the agency pointed to Dr. Cox’s outstanding work in the legislature where members of both parties look to him for counsel and leadership on a wide variety of health care issues. More >> 

Oklahoma SoonerCare: Access To Health Care
Released on September 14, 2011 

OHCA CEO Mike Fogarty's presentation to the first meeting of the Joint Committee on Federal Health Care Law. More >>

Oklahoma SoonerCare (Medicaid) and the Affordable Care Act (ACA) - Cindy Roberts and Buffy Heater. More >> 

SoonerCare Saves Lives
Released on August 24, 2011 

OKLAHOMA CITY – Barbara Johnson knows life is full of uncertainties, but she’s certain about one thing: a determined Oklahoma Health Care Authority employee who helped her re-enroll her daughter in SoonerCare a few weeks ago saved the seven-year-old child’s life. More >>

OHCA Names CIO
Released on August 17, 2011 

OKLAHOMA CITY – Jerry Scherer has joined the Oklahoma Health Care Authority (OHCA) as Chief Information Officer, CEO Mike Fogarty recently announced. More >> 

OHCA Board To Meet In Tulsa
Released on August 10, 2011 

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma Health Care Authority Board will hold its monthly meeting beginning at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 24, at the Hyatt Regency conference center in Tulsa. The meeting will kick off the board’s annual retreat. Anyone who is interested in the state’s SoonerCare (Medicaid) and Insure Oklahoma programs is welcome to attend the meeting and talk with members of the OHCA board and staff. More >> 

Cherokee Nation Health Service First Tribal Provider to Receive Oklahoma Medicaid Electronic Health Record Incentive Payment
Released on July 12, 2011 

TAHLEQUAH – On July 11, Dr. Gregory Woitte of Cherokee Nation Health Services received $21,250 in federal funds to help offset the costs of adopting an electronic health record system as part of the Oklahoma State Medicaid Electronic Health Record (EHR) incentive program, the Oklahoma Health Care Authority (OHCA) announced. More >>

E-Prescribing Provides Quicker, Safer Prescriptions for SoonerCare Members
Released on May 20, 2011

OKLAHOMA CITY – E-prescribing provides quicker, safer prescriptions for SoonerCare members. More >> 

Programs Targeting Women Featured During National Health Week
Released on May 4, 2011 

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma Health Care Authority (OHCA) suggests women across the state take time at Mother’s Day to consider some programs and services in which they might qualify to participate. More >> 

OHCA Nurses Are Reaching Out To SoonerCare Moms 
Released on April 14, 2011 

OKLAHOMA CITY – Pregnant SoonerCare members who live in areas of Oklahoma that have the poorest pregnancy and infant outcomes will be getting some extra attention through a new program being launched by the Oklahoma Health Care Authority. More >>

Possible Federal Shutdown Will Not Effect SoonerCare
Released on April 8, 2011 

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma Health Care Authority and SoonerCare, the state’s Medicaid program, will not be directly impacted by a shutdown of the federal government. More >>

OKLAHOMA CITY – As we roll into the New Year, we vow to stick to those New Year resolutions. For some it may be eating healthier, working out or keeping up with routine doctor visits. But for a child without health insurance, this can be a challenge. More >> 

Oklahoma Boasts Lowest Error Rate In Federal Medicaid Audit
Released on January 13, 2011  

OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma’s Medicaid program had the lowest error rate of 17 states reviewed this cycle by the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) through the Payment Error Rate Measurement (PERM) initiative. Oklahoma’s error rate was 1.2 percent, compared to the national average error rate of 8.98 percent. More >> 

Health Care Coordination Program Honored With URAC National Best Practices Award
Program Reduced Hospital Admissions by 31 Percent
Released on October 18, 2010 

URAC, a leading independent health care quality accrediting organization, has awarded the Oklahoma Medical Risk Management (MRM) program the Bronze Award in Health Information/Decision Support at the 2010 Best Practices in Health Care Consumer Empowerment and Protection Awards. The awards honor programs that advance patient safety and empower consumers. More >>

Oklahoma Cares About Breast Cancer
Released on October 6, 2010 

OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahomans are no strangers to the significance of breast cancer in the state. Celebrations, fundraisers, races and memorials are taking place all over the state and nation in October, which is National Breast Cancer Awareness month. More>> 

New Doors Are Opened For Oklahomans With Living Choice Program
Released on September 30, 2010 

OKLAHOMA CITY- Wilma Benedict made a choice, she chose to go home. More>> 

State Electronic Health Records Incentive Takes Big Step Forward
Released on September 21, 2010 

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma Health Care Authority has received approval from the federal government to implement the Oklahoma Medicaid Electronic Health Records Incentive Program. The program uses federal funds as an incentive to qualified Medicaid providers to purchase technology needed to share patient information securely. More>> 

SoonerCare Members Can Choose to Renew Benefits Online
Released on September 20, 2010 

OKLAHOMA CITY –Oklahomans who receive their health insurance benefits through SoonerCare (Oklahoma Medicaid) can now renew their coverage online through the Oklahoma Health Care Authority’s new website, mysoonercare.org. More>> 

OHCA Board to Meet in Midwest City
Released on August 16, 2010 

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma Health Care Authority Board will hold its monthly meeting beginning at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 25, at the Reed Center in Midwest City. The meeting will kick off the board’s annual retreat. Anyone who is interested in the state’s SoonerCare (Medicaid) and Insure Oklahoma programs is welcome to attend the meeting and talk with members of the OHCA board and staff. More>> 

Nursing Home Residents Given Option to Return to Community
Released on August 16, 2010 

OKLAHOMA CITY – “Wherever you go, there you are, and your money should be there, too.” This may sound like the catchy slogan of a credit card company, when in fact it’s the driving force behind a new program administered by the Oklahoma Health Care Authority. More>> 

Garth Splinter Returns to OHCA as State Medicaid Director
Released on July 15, 2010 

OKLAHOMA CITY – Garth L. Splinter, M.D., is Oklahoma’s new Medicaid director, Oklahoma Health Care Authority CEO Mike Fogarty announced. More>> 

Grant Aims to Reduce Tobacco Use Among Pregnant SoonerCare Members 
Released on April 19, 2010 

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET) and the Oklahoma Health Care Authority (OHCA) have joined forces to combat tobacco use by pregnant SoonerCare (Oklahoma Medicaid) members. More>> 

SoonerCare Child Health Checkup Screening Rate Surpasses National Standard 
Released on April 14, 2010 

OKLAHOMA CITY – At a time when Oklahoma is seeing record enrollment and claims for SoonerCare (Oklahoma Medicaid), another record-breaking achievement is nothing but good news: Oklahoma has surpassed the national benchmark for child health screenings. More>>

OHCA Program Integrity Division Ensures Quality Program
Released on April 8, 2010 

OKLAHOMA CITY – Provider audits are one of the tools the Oklahoma Health Care Authority uses in it’s program integrity efforts to make sure state and federal tax dollars are being used correctly in the state’s SoonerCare (Oklahoma Medicaid) program. More>> 

SoonerCare Providers Will See Further Rate Reductions 
Released February 11, 2010 

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma Health Care Authority board approved additional reductions of 3.5 percent to rates paid to SoonerCare providers for health care services. The cuts will be added to the 3.25 percent rate reductions which were approved at the January board meeting. The latest cuts are required to accommodate the agency’s reduced allocation for February through June of 2010. Both rate reductions will go into effect April 1. More>> 

Health Care Authority Board OKs Provider Rate Reductions 
Released January 14, 2010 

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma Health Care Authority board approved reductions of 3.25 percent to rates paid to SoonerCare providers for health care services. The cuts which were required to accommodate the agency’s reduced allocation of general revenue for December 2009 and January 2010 will go into effect April 1. More>>