February 24, 2021 Issue, Page 10 of 10

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10 February 24, 2021 Lawmakers: Gov. Stitt’s Managed Care Plan complicates Medicaid Expansion Funding Plan By Trevor Brown, Oklahoma still unsure how they'll pay it. lative session underway, there to cover the state’s expected to provide the care. is.” The official reprimand was Watch The passage of State Ques- still isn’t an agreement on how $162 million share of the costs. The governor argues that first reported by NonDoc. tion 802 last June started a the state will fund it. As a result, lawmakers and this will keep costs down while What Could Happen Next? More than half a year after countdown for the state to the governor will need to si- And Gov. Kevin Stitt’s recent improving health outcomes. voters approved a state ques- start enrolling newly eligible push to privatize SoonerCare multaneously weigh whether But Oklahoma's medical and Lawmakers will need to tion that will require Okla- Oklahomans in the state's now threatens to sink a previ- to revamp the state’s Medicaid again approve a bill if they homa to offer health coverage Medicaid program, known as ously agreed-upon deal that program and decide how to hospital community has come want to increase the supple- to more than 200,000 low-in- Soonercare, by July 1. would use cost offsets and an fund the new expansion group out strongly against it, saying mental hospital fee. But if that come adults, state officials are But, with Oklahoma's legis- increase in a fee hospitals pay before the session ends in May. it will lead to higher admin- doesn’t happen, the Legisla- With the future of Sooner- istrative costs and discour- Care hanging in the balance, age providers from accepting ture and governor will need to the stakes are high for Okla- Medicaid patients for fear of find a new way to pay for the Tourism and ODOT partner to Medicaid expansion. homa, which has the nation’s reduced reimbursements and second-highest uninsured rate delayed payments. ‘According to the governor's and routinely ranks among the Oklahoma Hospital Associa- office, Stitt’s proposed budget take Oklahomans fishing least healthy states. tion Patti Davis said now the And as things often are at group has concerns that in- already accounts for $70 mil- the State Capitol, the debate creasing the supplementalhos- lion in cost offset, or savings, between the two will be at least somewhat intertwined with pital fee while moving ahead because of the expansion. This battling lobbying groups and with managed care will leave includes nearly $30 million in ideologies pulling lawmakers hospitals — particularly rural mental health savings that, in different directions. hospitals — vulnerable. without the expansion, would Q NORTHWESTERN LOOP “A million things can hap- “We thought we had an need to be fully paid by the pen,” said Rep. Marcus McEn- agreement last year with the state. tire, R-Duncan, who chairs governor,” she said. “And our cO £0 £0 SOUTHWESTERN LOOP the House Appropriations agreement was we would work Stitt and other opponents CENTRAL LOOP and Budget Subcommittee with the (Oklahoma Health of State Question 802 issued SOUTH CENTRAL LOOP on Health. “Really right now, Care Authority) on value-based warnings during the lead up things are just up in the air.” programs and budget-stability to the vote that its approval 2 NORTHEASTERN LOOP How We Got Here would trigger “higher taxes programs instead of going to On first glance, funding the commercial managed care. So and cuts to core services.” But 2 SOUTHEASTERN LOOP ‘ony voter-approved Medicaid ex- the environment has changed a spokeswoman for the gover- pansion didn’t seem as com- significantly for us since last nor said those options are not plicated as some previously spring” feared. on the table. Without the backing from When Stitt unveiled his pro- the hospital community, it is “At the end of the day, a ma- What better way to “reel” in six fishing trail loops statewide provide maintenance. posed budget early this month, unclear if there will be legisla- jority of Oklahomans voted to he returned to a familiar idea tive support to use the sup- expand Medicaid,” said Carly the new year than by finding a that will alert visitors to prime In June 2019, the state to pay for the bulk of the state’s Atchison, director of strategic great fishing spot? New Okla- fishing spots in the region. launched the Oklahoma Fish- plemental hospital fee to pay homa Fishing Trail signs going Planning for the sign instal- share of the expansion’s cost: ing Trail as a joint initiative for the majority of expansion communications at the gov- up around the state will help lation endeavor began in 2019. between OTRD and the Okla- upping the Supplemental Hos- costs if managed care remains ernor's office. “Despite poten- make it even easier for anglers ‘The first signs are currently be- homa Department of Wildlife pital Offset Payment Program. a part of the picture. tial funding challenges, Gov. to find the state’s top fishing ing installed in southwestern Conservation. The trail high- The Supplemental Hospi- Rep. Justin Humphrey, R- Stitt is committed to ensuring destinations. Oklahoma with a statewide lights 40 of Oklahoma's top tal Offset Payment Program, Lane, who penned a letter co- In partnership with the installation goal by the end fishing lakes and rivers and an started in 2012 with the sup- signed by 10 other Republican Oklahomans do not pay more Oklahoma Tourism & Recre- of March. The markers will be additional 20 fishing experi- port of the Oklahoma Hospi- House lawmakers to Stitt in in taxes and that there are no ation Department, the Okla- placed under highway identi- ences that are part of the Wild- tal Association, is a provider December opposing the man- cuts to core services. This is a homa Department of Trans- fication signs at state highway life Department’s “Close to fee paid by 65 hospitals in the aged care move, said he now part of his legislative agenda portation is erecting roadside junctions and will indicate to Home” fishing program. More state. Money from the fees are sees the Medicaid funding de- to deliver taxpayers more for signs indicating the location anglers which loop of the fish- information on the Close to used to leverage federal Med- of the Oklahoma Fishing Trail ing trail they are near. Each Home fishing destinations can icaid matching funds and help cision directly linked to wheth- their money.” loops. Designed to promote loop is designated by a color: be found at www.wildlifede- shore up the state’s Medicaid er the move to managed care Lawmakers said they weren't the state’s unique fishing op- northeastern (green), south- can be reversed. ready to discuss specific alter- partment.com. program. In the coming weeks, Hum- portunities and increase rev- eastern (orange), south central Digital promotion of the Stitt similarly proposed in- phrey said he and many other natives if the supplemental enue, the trail highlights lakes (blue), central (purple), south- Oklahoma Fishing Trail has creasing the fee (which would lawmakers, especially those hospital fee isn’t approved. But and rivers around the state. western (gold) and northwest- “I'm so excited to see these ern (red), each having a variety resulted in $8.2 million in pro- generate $118 million a year) with endangered rural hos- one option is using savings or jected lodging revenue, new signs going up around the of fish available. The 18 inch ing a 90-to-1 return on invest- creat- last year when he tried to ad- pitals in their area, will lean extra revenue after the Board state,” said Oklahoma Lt. Gov. x 24 inch signs are the same vance his own Medicaid expan- heavily on local medical lead- of Equalization reported this Matt Pinnell, who is also the color as the designated region, ment based on digital spend. sion plan, called SoonerCare ers. week that lawmakers will have state's Secretary of Tourism & display a rod with a lure and For more information on the 2.0, before the SQ802 vote. “[m not a medical expert the ability to spend $1.2 billion Branding. “We've been thrilled read “Oklahoma Fishing Trail.” Oklahoma Fishing Trail, visit Unlike the expansion plan so what I do is I go talk to my with the positive response and “ODOT is very excited to be the OTRD website at Fishi- approved by voters, his plan medical experts,” he said. “So more than what officials be- economic impact to the fish- a part of such a positive ini- nOK.com or order or download would have sought a federal we're going to get on a group lieved would be available when ing trail so far, and these signs tiative driven by the Tourism the Oklahoma Fishing Trail waiver to move toa block-grant text and the minute I hear Stitt built his budget proposal. are such a great way for us to Department and to be able to brochure at TravelOK.com/ model, add work requirements something, I'm going to group ‘The future of the managed spread awareness about the provide guidance to drivers Brochures. care debate also is far from (Editors and News Direc- and require many enrollees to text them and say, ‘how are we trail and Oklahoma's incred- seeking that special fishing settled. ible fishing opportunities.” spot,” said Secretary of Trans- tors: For questions, please call pay some premiums. going to vote?” At the time, hospital leaders Democratic lawmakers too Oklahoma State Medical As- The Oklahoma Tourism & portation and ODOT Execu- Tourism at 405-522-9611 or Recreation Department se- tive Director Tim Gatz. the ODOT Media & Public Re- signaled they were OK with the have reservations about man- sociation, Oklahoma Dental lected the locations and ODOT ‘The signs initially cost OTRD lations Division at 405-521- added fee since the benefits aged care and increasing the Association, Oklahoma Osteo- is erecting 815 signs across the $35 per sign, and ODOT will 6000.) from expanding Medicaid far supplemental hospital fee if pathic Association, Oklahoma outweighed the cost of increas- the managed care plan pro- Society of Anesthesiologists ing the fee from 2.5% to 4%, ceeds. and the Oklahoma chapter of Crowder Lake opening With the blessing of the hos- Rep. Forrest Bennett, D- American Academy of Pediat- pital industry, the Legislature Oklahoma City, said he and rics filed a lawsuit earlier this sent Stitt a bill doing exactly other members of his caucus month seeking an injunction what he wanted, want to have more discussions to stop Stitt’s plan. day set for March 27 But Stitt ended up vetoing that bill when he decided to ‘The health groups argue that with all stakeholders, includ- ing hospital administrators, neither Stitt nor the Oklahoma nix his own plan that would've before they make a decision. made Medicaid expansion take Health Care Authority have the But, sharing frustrations power to unilaterally contract A full day of free activi- in place to keep this a safe, fun Lake, a nonprofit support or- effect last summer. Among his with Republican lawmakers with the managed care firms ties—including a playground outdoor event for all. ganization that has been estab- reasons for the reverals: con- who have criticized Stitt for without first gaining approval groundbreaking and Volk- ‘Three competitions will belished to provide outdoorsmen cerns over increased costs be- shutting lawmakers out of the from the Legislature. swagen Club of Oklahoma held as part of opening day: and outdoorswomen, conser- cause more Oklahomans would process, Bennett added that cruise— are planned Saturday, Dutch Over Cook-Off, Down- vationists, and nature lov- be eligible for the subsidized these discussions should have While that lawsuit plays out, March 27, as part of Crowder hill Derby Racing and a Slack ers a way to positively impact health coverage amid the CO- been happening since State options. lawmakers also have their own Lake Opening Day for the Line competition. For compe- Crowder Lake through chari- 2021 summer season. tition registration and rules, table investment. Friends re- VID-19 pandemic. Question 802 passed. McEntire said legislators ‘The Crowder Lake University please email crowder@swosu. ceive recognition from SWOSU Though voters approved a “I feel these conversations could simply pass a bill that Park, located seven miles south edu. and enjoy members-only gear, constitutional mandate that should have happened in a says managed care is not al- of Weatherford, is operated by ‘At 11 am., a groundbreak- benefits and opportunities. the state fund the expansion more public way between law- lowed for SoonerCare or seek Southwestern Oklahoma State ing ceremony will be held for Schedule of events: by July 1, Stitt’s return to his makers and the governor,” he University (SWOSU). the Dr. Ken Rose Memorial 10 a.m.- Dutch Oven Cook- original proposal to increase said. legislative changes to define “Activities for all ages willbe Playground. Rose was an in- off Participants meeting the Supplemental Hospital ‘The debate over the future of what managed care entails. open from 10 am. to 4 p.m. strumental SWOSU leader 11 am.- Dr. Ken Rose Me- Offset Payment Program fee the state's Medicaid program The Legislature could also with rentals and equipment who helped oversee the tran- morial Playground ground- created a new road block. already has sparked political seek to block funding for man- use available until 5 p.m.,” Park sition of Crowder Lake from breaking Managed Care Debate tensions early this session. aged care in the budget that Director Paul Hummel said. the Oklahoma State Parks sys- 1 p.m.- Downhill Derby Race “There will be kayaks, canoes, tem to an outdoor classroom check-in and inspection Complicates Medicaid Fund- Senate Floor Leader Kim is typically approved near the stand-up paddle boards, a rap- overseen by SWOSU. The play- 2 p.m.- Downhill Derby Race ing Plan David, R-Porter, who supports end of the session. pelling tower, rock wall, slack ground is a joint effort of the 3 p.m.- Dutch Oven Judging Before the legislative session the managed care move, was In both cases, lawmakers line and a zip line” Weatherford Rotary Club and For more information on began, Stitt and state health censured and briefly sidelined likely will need to secure two- Meals and snacks will be the SWOSU Foundation, Inc. leaders announced contracts from her leadership duties by opening day, please contact thirds majorities in both cham- available for purchase from a The Volkswagen Club of the Crowder Lake University that will shift Soonercare Senate Pro Tem Greg Treat, R- bers to prevent Stitt from veto- variety of differentfood trucks. Oklahoma will be cruising in Park Office at 580-774-6015. from a fee-for-service model Oklahoma City, after she com- ing the bills. COVID precautions such as re- the park during the day as well. For information on how to join to a managed care model that mented during a press confer- “How confident am I right sponsible distancing and wear- Attendees may also signup the Friends of Crowder Lake, now that we can derail (man- ing facial coverings when dis- on site during opening day to please visit www.FriendsOfS- pays for-profit companies a ence that lawmakers opposing set monthly fee, based on the managed care “don't exactly aged care)? I would say I'm at tancing is not possible will be join the Friends of Crowder WOSUCrowderLake.com. number of Medicaid enrollees, understand what the concept 50-50,” McEntire said.