Health Department discontinues funding for two programs

The Oklahoma State Department of Health has notified contractors for Federally Qualified Health Centers and Oklahoma Child Abuse Prevention programs that state funding is ending due to budget constraints.

Twenty-five FQHC contracts and nine OCAP contractors will be affected by the decision. The total amount of savings for the agency is expected to be more than $3 million. FQHC contracts provided for reimbursement of medical expenses not covered by insurance or other funding. OCAP contractors provided home visitation programs in several regions throughout the state. The termination of contracts is effective for state fiscal year 2018.

OSDH has undertaken this step, in addition to other measures, to reduce costs in SFY ’18. The agency is continuing to evaluate additional cost cutting measures. A furlough for all employees making over $35,000 that will require one furlough day per two-week period starting Oct. 29 had previously been announced.