OHA leaders meet with members of Congress – Lucas, Cole, Russell

Posted on: 10/31/18


Last week, OHA members met with three Oklahoma congressmen: Frank Lucas, R-CD 3; Tom Cole, R-CD 4; and Steve Russell, R-CD 5.

OHA President Patti Davis provided each congressman with an update about the result of Medicare funding cuts hospitals took to help pay for the Affordable Care Act. The Medicare cuts were to be offset by states’ “accepting federal funds” to provide health insurance for low income working citizens. Because Oklahoma did not “accept federal funds,” our state took the cuts and our uninsured rate is second highest in the U.S.  Combined with Medicaid cuts of nearly 18 percent since 2010, Oklahoma hospitals have faced serious funding issues with five rural hospitals closing. Beginning Oct. 1, due to state tax increases, Medicaid rates were increased by 3 percent.

Discussions with each congressional member then centered on what further cuts to federal programs would result in for hospitals in their district. Specifically, the issues discussed included the 340B Drug Pricing Program, the CMS site-neutral payment proposal, and the differences in how the state and federal agencies are interpreting hospital-based rural health clinics.  For more information, review the Fact Sheet: Site-neutral Payment Provisions, and visit www.aha.org/340B.

Joining Davis and OHA staff Lynne White and Andy Fosmire in the meeting with Rep. Lucas were Corey Lively, CEO, Great Plains Regional Medical Center, Elk City; Roger Knak, administrator/CEO, Fairview Regional Medical Center; Finny Matthew, president, INTEGRIS Bass Baptist Health Center, Enid; Debbie Howe, CEO, Weatherford Regional Hospital; and Anne Roberts, INTEGRIS legislative affairs director. The meeting with Rep. Cole included Davis; White; Daryle Voss, president and CEO, Mercy Hospital Ardmore; and Richie Splitt, president and CEO, Norman Regional Health System. Meeting with Rep. Russell were Davis; White; Shasta Manuel, system VP of finance, SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital; Jim Watson, executive VP of finance, OU Medical Center; and Roberts. (Lynne White)

Save the dates for OHA 2022 events

Posted on: 2/18/22


It’s a new year and a new lineup of important events for you and your staff. Don’t miss out on these opportunities to engage in advocacy, education and networking all year long. Mark your calendar now!

OHA Advocacy Day - Tuesday, April 5, Oklahoma History Center. Join us for our annual legislative day. We will begin with a member briefing at 3 p.m., followed by a legislative reception at 5 p.m. Watch for registration materials soon.

OHA-PAC Golf Tournament - Tuesday, June 21, Jimmie Austin Golf Club at OU, Norman. Time and details TBA.

OHA Health Care Leaders Forum - Tuesday, July 19 - Thursday, July 21, Shangri-La Resort, Grand Lake. Watch for registration soon!

OHA Connect 22 - Wednesday, Nov. 9 - Friday, Nov. 11, Oklahoma City Convention Center and Omni Hotel, downtown Oklahoma City. Plan now to attend OHA’s annual conference and exhibit hall. More details to come.

Details on these events and other upcoming education opportunities will be available on the OHA website.