By skyforbes 
Hard-working Oklahomans know that our state faces a healthcare crisis. Former Governor Mary Fallin chose not to accept federal funds to expand Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, and that decision has devastated many Oklahomans. With rural hospitals reducing services or even closing due to a lack of doctors, nurses, and healthcare workers and almost 550,000 uninsured Oklahomans, it is clear that we need action now.
State question 802, which seeks to expand Medicaid coverage for Oklahomans, will be on the ballot in either June or November. If passed, it would expand Medicaid coverage for about 200,000 Oklahomans. About 300,000 Oklahomans — far more than required — signed the petition to put this question on the ballot, signaling to our government that there is wholehearted support for healthcare in Oklahoma.
This worried Governor Stitt, who has long opposed Medicaid expansion under the ACA. In an attempt to provide himself with political cover, he has introduced an untested plan to limit Medicaid expansion. The state’s own report on the plan said that his plan would likely depress enrollment by thousands compared to the typical Medicaid expansion that many states have had since 2010.
Today, the short public comment period for Governor Stitt’s plan for Oklahoma healthcare will end. Then, it will be submitted to the federal Healthy Adult Opportunity program to apply for a waiver from traditional Medicaid expansion. The waiver will request that Oklahoma be allowed to limit those covered by Medicaid by imposing work requirements, cost-sharing provisions, and a block grant model.
Oklahomans should be wary of Stitt’s untested and politically convenient plan to expand Medicaid. The numbers are clear. A traditional Medicaid expansion approved through SQ802 would provide coverage to more Oklahomans and do it without unnecessary strings attached. Provisions like work requirements are not only intended to shame low-income individuals, they are incredibly dangerous in a time when unemployment is projected to reach record highs. It also does not recognize caregivers who are unable to work.
Oklahomans know better than to buy into Stitt’s ‘bait and switch’ political posturing. He has introduced this plan in hopes of being praised for expanding Medicaid while doing his level best to ensure that Oklahomans don’t get the coverage they need. Refusing to accept Medicaid expansion funds was Fallin’s mistake, but Stitt is continuing that legacy.
Just like the Governor, Senator Jim Inhofe has done everything in his power to reduce Oklahomans’ coverage. After years of Inhofe and Stitt’s efforts to weaken our healthcare system, we are now in a public health crisis where many of our neighbors can’t see a doctor, treat a chronic illness or even fill a prescription. It doesn’t have to be like this — we can and must do better.