Secretary Of Health Visits Tulsa As Expanded Medicaid Coverage Goes Into Effect

As tens of thousands of new Oklahomans start receiving Medicaid benefits for the first time on Thursday, a member of President Joe Biden's cabinet flew to Tulsa to celebrate the milestone.

"It is a great day to be in Oklahoma,” said Xavier Becerra, the US Secretary of Health and Human Services. “July 1st is going to go down in history."

Becerra met with health care advocates who have been strong supporters of Medicaid expansion.

"They are the locomotion behind the passage of the initiative to give you all access to peace of mind," said Becerra.

Starting Thursday, 124,171 Oklahomans will now receive Medicaid benefits for the first time. It's estimated about 200,000 are eligible. Last year, voters approved state question 802, which broadened age and income requirements to give more Oklahomans access to SoonerCare, which is the state's model.

Becerra believes this is a win for all Oklahomans, especially those with low income.

"If they have to send their child to the hospital they won't go broke,” said Becerra. “If they have to make use of a specialist doctor, they'll still be able to pay the rent."

The Oklahoma Health Care Authority says expanded guidelines also mean certain younger Oklahomans can also qualify if they aren't on their parents insurance.

"You may have a college student who is trying to get through school, buying books and paying for attention, but they're not paying for their insurance because they can't afford it," said Melissa Richey with the Oklahoma Healthcare Authority.

The expansion comes with an anticipated price tag of 164 million additional dollars.

90% will be paid by the federal government, 10 percent by the state.

You can apply or see if you’re eligible at www.mysoonercare.org or by calling 800-987-7767.