Oklahoma has learned its share of nearly $3 billion for the Children’s Health Insurance Program included in a short-term spending bill signed by the president today.
The Oklahoma Health Care Authority's allotment is $44.4 million.
"We have begun to recalculate our state fiscal year 2018 budget, and we believe we are close to being able to sufficiently fund our CHIP program through June of this year," said OHCA CEO Becky Pasternik-Ikard.
Oklahoma’s CHIP program was set to lose $49 million this fiscal year after Congress missed a funding deadline in September. OHCA was considering delaying provider payments to get through the fiscal year.
Federal CHIP funding is guaranteed only through March through the short-term spending bill.
"We really were delighted to learn of this, even though it's really limited at this time. But, again, I think there's bipartisan support for the CHIP program, and it's important for America's children," Pasternik-Ikard said.
CHIP provides comprehensive health services to around 125,000 Oklahoma kids in poverty.
