Gov. Stitt asks voters to roll back Medicaid increases over spiraling costs

OKLAHOMA CITY –

Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt has asked the State Legislature to forward a referendum to voters that could roll back the expansion of Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act.

A state question expanded Medicaid in 2021, with voter approval that came in a close vote.

The Oklahoma Hospital Association says the expansion improved health care access and outcomes.

Oklahoma’s national health ranking has improved, the uninsured rate has dropped, and maternal morbidity outcomes now rank among the best in the country. These gains reflect the daily commitment of hospitals and healthcare providers across the state to serve their communities.

Rich Rasmussen, CEO, Oklahoma Hospital Association

House and Senate Democrats immediately criticized the Governor, proposing a rollback of the expansion, which they credited with helping individuals improve their health and ensuring more hospitals are paid for services.

In a budget presentation last week, the Oklahoma Healthcare Authority proposed a $495 million budget increase to meet rising costs for Medicaid and rural healthcare.

The federal government is cutting funding that supports Medicaid, which is projected to be $29 million for each of the next two years. With costs increasing, the State is covering a widening gap, the Governor said, that would consume more than one-third of the state budget within 10 years.