Study Shows Budget Could See Big Savings Under Managed Care
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 20, 2018
STUDY TOUTS MODERN MEDICAID PROGRAM AS BEST CHOICE FOR OKLAHOMA
Report Highlights Best Practices And Budgetary Savings
OKLAHOMA CITY (Feb. 20, 2018) –The Oklahoma Association of Health Plans has released a report that outlines how the state can achieve budget predictability by implementing a modern health care program for Medicaid recipients in Oklahoma.
The product of extensive research, the report provides a road map for improving health outcomes, providing tax dollar efficiency and accountability afforded by a modern, quality driven health care system for Oklahoma’s most vulnerable citizens.
“In this time of budget instability and a historic deficit, we as legislators must look at all ways possible to be fiscally responsible,” said Sen. Kim David, R- Porter. “Now is not the time for us to shy away from health care innovation. A proposal to modernize Oklahoma’s health care system will be presented during the 2018 regular session.”
The report will serve as a resource for legislators and Oklahoma Health Care Authority officials in understanding what the implementation of a modern health care will look like and how much money can be saved in Oklahoma.
“We have the opportunity to address inefficiencies, reduce redundant services and lowers costs, all while improving health care for Oklahomans,” said Rep. Glen Mulready, R- Tulsa. “This type of proposal must be seriously considered by our state legislature as we continue to examine policies that may have lasting savings in our state budget. Managed care does not cut corners in service. The healthier the overall program, the more savings are achieved.”
After the Oklahoma Health Care Authority halted the effort to design a risk-based managed care program for the age blind and disabled populations in 2017, the report highlights program infrastructure already in place in Oklahoma and lays out budgetary requirements and advantages as well as best practices that have been tested in other states.
The study was produced by Milliman, the world’s largest providers of actuarial and related services. A full copy of the report is available at http://tiny.cc/OAHPMillimanStudy.
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About Oklahoma Association of Health Plans
The Oklahoma Association of Health Plans is a not-for-profit organization, created in 1987, to promote quality and affordable health care through advocacy, communications and education. We are committed to cultivating a regulatory and marketplace environment that facilitates a robust health care financing market, product flexibility and innovation, and an abundance of consumer choice. As the voice of Oklahoma’s health plans and insurers, the Oklahoma Association of Health Plans represents the interests of our members on legislative and regulatory issues. We provide information and services, such as newsletters, bill summaries, legislative tracking, and on-line services. Our programs are designed to serve our member organizations and to inform Policymakers and the public about health care financing and delivery.