Provider rate floor extension clears Oklahoma Senate

Posted on: 3/8/24

With last week’s committee deadline in the rearview mirror, the House focused on floor work while the Senate focused on their new budget transparency process. On Wednesday, the Senate Appropriations Committee gaveled in and reviewed 55 agency budgets, giving the public an unprecedented view into the cogs of state of government. The result of this new budget transparency process will be a nonbinding resolution that outlines the Senate’s budget priorities and will serve as the basis for budget negotiations with the House. 

The Senate also began floor work this week with a topline priority for OHA passing off the floor on Thursday afternoon. SB 1675 (Sen. Greg McCortney/Rep. Marcus McEntire), which makes several changes to the Ensuring Access to Medicaid Act (i.e. Medicaid managed care), extends the provider rate floor for the SoonerSelect program by one year from its original expiration date of July 1, 2026. The bill now goes over to the House for further consideration. 

It’s a short turnaround between legislative deadlines, as the floor deadline is next Thursday for final passage of bills by the chamber of origin (i.e., House and Senate). OHA still has several bills on the agenda that must be heard by then to continue on in the process this legislative session. (Scott Tohlen)