The Oklahoma Supreme Court on Tuesday afternoon issued a ruling that could have major ramifications on Gov. Kevin Stitt's plan for privatization of Medicaid expansion in the state.
In a 6-3 decision, the court ruled that the state of Oklahoma does "not have authority under the law to proceed and implement the SoonerSelect program," the name of the managed care expansion program.
“We are pleased with the Supreme Court’s ruling, and we recognize the heart of this issue is much larger than managed care. It’s about ensuring that state agencies follow the law when spending Oklahoma’s tax dollars. Today’s ruling represents an important victory for transparency in government and Oklahoma taxpayers,” said Mary Clarke, MD, president of the Oklahoma State Medical Association, one of the plaintiffs in the suit.
“Oklahoma physicians were virtually united in opposition to this plan,” said Allison LeBoeuf, executive director, Oklahoma Osteopathic Association. “Oklahomans are best served when medical decisions are made between doctor and patient, and without interference from insurance bureaucrats.”
The Oklahoma Health Care Authority and the governor's office both said Wednesday morning they were still reviewing the ruling and hoped to release statements later in the day.
Enrollment had opened Tuesday for the expanded state Medicaid program.
This is a developing story.
