Last June, Oklahomans voted to expand Sooner-Care eligibility to adults ages 19 to 64 whose income is at or below 138% of the federal poverty level. Doctors’ offices will begin seeing newly insured patients across Oklahoma when the expansion takes effect on July 1, 2021.
“The Medicaid expansion program is expected to provide medical coverage for approximately 200,000 new patients in the state according to a study from the Oklahoma Health Care Authority,” said Isabella Lawson, CEO for Community Health Centers of Oklahoma. “Applications will be accepted starting June 1, 2021 and our case managers are ready to assist in the application process,” said Isabella. “We encourage everyone to visit our website at www.communityhealthok.com for our convenient and eligibility details,” added Isabella.
The benefits under the expansion program will be the same as the current SoonerCare program. The application process will provide eligibility status immediately so individuals will know if they qualify for the coverage.
Under the new program, the income guidelines allow children and pregnant women to stay on SoonerCare at higher income levels. For self-employed individuals and independent contractors, reported income is based on net income (after business deductions), and the unemployed (no income) may qualify even if they do not have children in their household.
The income guidelines are posted as estimates on the state-run website at www.MySoonerCare. org or by calling the SoonerCare Helpline at 1.800.987.7767. People are being encouraged to apply even if they have been denied in the past or if their income is higher than the stated limitations. Pre-existing conditions are covered for future treatment under the expansion program. The Medicaid expansion program is encouraging those that do not qualify to reach out to the Health Insurance Marketplace for possible eligibility as an additional option. For more information, you may log on to the website and create an account and apply online. The SoonerCare helpline phone number is 1.800.987.7767. To access further information about the program, eligibility, and income guidelines you may access the Oklahoma Health Care Authority’s website at https://oklahoma.gov/ohca.