Medicaid fees rising for Oklahoma health care providers

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- Health care providers that serve Oklahoma's 500,000 Medicaid patients are getting a raise. <br><br>The Oklahoma Health Care Authority voted Thursday to increase fees paid to doctors,

Friday, November 14th 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- Health care providers that serve Oklahoma's 500,000 Medicaid patients are getting a raise.

The Oklahoma Health Care Authority voted Thursday to increase fees paid to doctors, nursing homes, hospitals and ambulance companies.

The action came two days after Governor Henry and legislative leaders agreed to a $34-million plan to better compensate doctors and other Medicaid providers.

Officials say the increases are needed to make sure of Medicaid clients can continue to have access to health care services.

The money will be used to increase nursing home rates by 7% and in-patient hospital rates by 5%. Doctor services will be increased to an amount equal to 90% of the Medicare fee schedule, up from 72%.