Healthcare Expansion an Important Win in 2007

Many Oklahomans stand to benefit from legislation passed in 2007 that makes significant progress in addressing our state's uninsured. Through two measures, families that earn up to 300% of the Federal Poverty Level can enroll their children in SoonerCare. This bill cleared the way for 42,000 state children to gain access to services, including behavioral health care. The legislature also broadened the ceiling for workforce size for those employers wanting to participate in O-EPIC, a state program that subsidizes the purchase of health coverage for working Oklahomans. New legislation allows employers up to 250 employees to offer the subsidy to employees earning up to 250% of the FPL.

Both of these advancements are important, providing better access to coverage for our state residents. It is appropriate to share appreciation with your legislators and Governor Henry's office for enacting this important legislation.

I am very interested in hearing from NAMI constituents about their experiences with O-EPIC and the marketing and outreach by the Oklahoma Health Care Authority in implementing these new expansions.