Groups call on Stitt to withdraw Medicaid plan

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Seven national organizations representing patients with serious medical conditions are criticizing Oklahoma’s Governor for rolling out his Medicaid expansion plan during the coronavirus pandemic.

The groups called on Friday for the state to withdraw its application immediately. Among the groups are the American Heart Association and The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Gov. Kevin Stitt wants to take advantage of a block grant-style Medicaid expansion offered by the federal government. Stitt says that proposal would give the state more flexibility and extend health coverage sooner than a traditional Medicaid expansion scheduled for a statewide vote later this year.