Consultant hired to help implement alternative Medicaid plan

(Information from: The Oklahoman, http://www.newsok.com)

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — The Oklahoma Health Care Authority has hired a consultant to help devise a state Medicaid program as an alternative to Medicaid expansion.

The Oklahoman reports that the OHCA on Thursday finalized a contract with Michigan-based Health Management Associates Inc. for up to $1.49 million during the next year to develop a plan.

OHCA CEO Kevin Corbett said Gov. Kevin Stitt is looking for an experienced consultant to advise him on alternatives to Medicaid expansion, which Stitt has opposed.

Last month, supporters of Medicaid expansion turned in about 313,000 signatures on petitions calling for a statewide vote next year to expand Medicaid coverage in Oklahoma to adults aged 18 to 65 whose income does not exceed 133% of the federal poverty level. An estimated 200,000 Oklahomans currently can’t afford health insurance.

About 178,000 registered voters’ signatures are needed to put the question on the ballot.