State Pursuing ObamaCare Innovator Grants
Oklahoma governor applies for federal grant provided by Obamacare
BY WARREN VIETH, Oklahoma Watch
Gov. Mary Fallin has applied to participate in an Affordable Care Act program designed to help states develop innovative models for delivering care and reducing costs for participants in Medicaid, Medicare and the Children’s Health Insurance Program.
In a story posted on July 31, Oklahoma Watch reported inaccurately that the state had chosen not to participate in the State Innovation Models grant program. The inaccuracy was caused by a series of miscommunications between Oklahoma Watch and the governor’s office.
Fallin’s grant application is significant because it suggests she is willing to pursue federal funding opportunities provided by the Affordable Care Act despite her opposition to two of its key components: Medicaid expansion and creation of a state-run health exchange.
In an application dated July 18, Fallin requested $3 million, the maximum amount allowed for the type of grant the state is seeking, to develop an Oklahoma State Innovation Model based on “health system innovation that makes good business sense.”