Oklahoma Explores Improving Mental Health Care under Managed Care

The Oklahoma House of Representatives, led by Rep. Jacob Rosecrants, D-Norman, conducted an interim study on Mental Health and Managed Care to evaluate the effectiveness of the SoonerSelect managed care program in improving healthcare services for Oklahoma's Medicaid enrollees. The study, heard by the Appropriations and Budget Health Subcommittee, aimed to identify areas for improvement and potential solutions to enhance coordination, access, and stability in mental health services. The study began with a review of the managed care program's development and featured presentations from mental health professionals and experts in the field.

Key Takeaways:

• The SoonerSelect managed care program, launched in April 2024, accounts for 56% of all Medicaid enrollees in Oklahoma, covering approximately 583,000 individuals out of the 1,034,000 Oklahomans on Medicaid.
• The program's goal is to provide better coordination, improved access, and more stability for providers and patients, but there have been concerns about its effectiveness, particularly in the mental health sector.
• The study explored potential solutions to address these concerns, including improving provider participation in insurance networks, raising awareness of parity rights for SoonerSelect enrollees, and expanding access to mental health and substance abuse services.
• The study was not focused on criticizing the program, but rather on identifying areas for improvement and implementing constructive changes to ensure the program meets its intended objectives.
• Names mentioned in the study include Rep. Jacob Rosecrants, D-Norman, Audra Deckard, MHr, Med, LPC, Robert VanZant, LCSW-P, Dr. Randy Randleman, Dr. Mary Ann Shepherd, OPTC Yukon Behavioral and Diagnostic Center, Christina Foss, and Haley Faulkenberry, Oklahoma Association of Health Plans.

Statistics:

• 56% of Oklahoma's Medicaid enrollees are on the SoonerSelect managed care program (approximately 583,000 individuals out of 1,034,000 Oklahomans on Medicaid).
• 583,000 individuals are enrolled in the SoonerSelect managed care program.
• 1,034,000 Oklahomans are on Medicaid.

Sources:

• Oklahoma House of Representatives
• Rep. Jacob Rosecrants, D-Norman
• Audra Deckard, MHr, Med, LPC, Myriad Counseling Solutions, LLC
• Robert VanZant, LCSW-P
• Dr. Randy Randleman, Eufaula Lake Family Development Center
• Dr. Mary Ann Shepherd, OPTC Yukon Behavioral and Diagnostic Center
• Christina Foss
• Haley Faulkenberry, Oklahoma Association of Health Plans