State Legislative Update: Budget agreement reached

Posted on: 5/24/24

The House and Senate agreed to a budget Wednesday afternoon as the day began with assurances from the governor that he would not veto the budget if certain items were included in the final budget. The governor did not include an income tax cut in his list of must haves. 

On Thursday, the nominations for commissioner of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services and CEO of the Oklahoma Health Care Authority received the support of the Senate Health and Human Services Committee. Interim Commissioner Allie Friesen and interim CEO Ellen Buettner fielded questions from members of the committee with HHS Chairman Sen. Paul Rosino stressing the importance of holding SoonerSelect MCOs accountable as the state transitions to managed care, as well as the importance of communication between the various agencies that are tasked with improving the healthcare of Oklahomans. 

SB 1675 (Sen. Greg McCortney/Rep. Marcus McEntire) has conferees appointed on both sides as of Wednesday. The bill extends the healthcare provider rate floor in the SoonerSelect program and ensures competition in the marketplace by requiring a provider-owned organization to be awarded a contract during the next procurement cycle for SoonerSelect. By statute, the rate floor is set to expire on July 1, 2026. The bill must be heard in conference and passed off the floor of both chambers by Sine Die, Friday, May 31. (Scott Tohlen)