Chapman Leads Interim Study on Medicaid and Health Care Challenges
OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Mark Chapman, R-Broken Arrow, along with Reps. Preston Stinson, R-Edmond and Mark Tedford, R-Jenks, hosted an interim study examining the potential impacts of HR1, known as the Big Beautiful Bill, on Oklahoma’s health care system and Medicaid services. “I was honored to host an interim study on the impact of HR1 and the potential effects it may have on health care and Medicaid services here in Oklahoma,” Chapman said. “It’s apparent that Oklahoma has some dependence on the federal government’s participation in paying for health care, and it’s important to know how that impacts our state budget and the delivery of health care services and outcomes.” Participants in the study included representatives from the Oklahoma Health Care Authority, the Oklahoma Hospital Association, SoonerSelect and a practicing physician. Each offered a unique perspective on how proposed federal changes could affect access to care, provider reimbursements and the stability of the state’s health care network. Panelists included Christina Foss, assistant director of the Oklahoma Health Care Authority, Scott Tohlen and Maggie Martin representing the Oklahoma Hospital Association, Haley Falkenberry with SoonerSelect and Dr. Tracy Hoos, a pediatrician from Muskogee. Chapman said hearing from experts across four areas, state agencies, hospitals, insurers and rural health providers, offered a valuable look at how policy shifts could affect Oklahomans on multiple levels. “Our goal is to closely work with the federal delegation and stay ahead of the game so that we can deliver improved health care to Oklahoma and not experience anything that abruptly affects our state budget,” Chapman said. “There are still challenges and problems, but I’m confident we can stay ahead of it to take care of the most vulnerable in our population.” Chapman said he plans to continue monitoring federal policy changes over the next six to 12 months and work with other legislators in the upcoming session to strengthen health care delivery for all Oklahomans.