OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — The governing board of the agency that oversees the Medicaid program in Oklahoma has reduced reimbursement rates for doctors by nearly 8 percent as it grapples with a roughly $100 million hole in its budget.
The Oklahoma Health Care Authority Board unanimously approved the 7.75 percent provider rate reduction Tuesday during a special meeting in Oklahoma City. Several pediatricians told the board the cuts would negatively affect health care for some of the state's most vulnerable citizens.
Some providers and services are excluded, including child-abuse exams, emergency transportation, long-term care facilities and private-duty nursing.
Agency officials project the annual change will result in total savings of about $48 million. The agency also predicts the rate decrease should not negatively impact access or quality of care for Medicaid recipients in Oklahoma.