Oklahoma voters approve Medicaid expansion; CMS issues new FAQs for state Medicaid, CHIP agencies

Oklahoma voters yesterday approved expanding the state’s Medicaid initiative, the first state to do so during the COVID-19 pandemic. The ballot question, which passed with nearly 50.5% of the vote, initiates a state constitutional amendment to provide Medicaid to those with incomes at or below 138% of the poverty level.

"For more than a decade, Oklahoma hospitals have been working tirelessly to increase health coverage, strengthen rural hospitals and boost our economy by expanding Medicaid,” the Oklahoma Hospital Association said in a statement. “Our work to increase health care access, reduce disparities and lower the number of uninsured will continue."

Also yesterday, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services added new FAQs to address states’ Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program agencies’ response to COVID-19. Integrated into the existing FAQ document, new topics include eligibility and enrollment, individuals in the optional COVID-19-testing group, non-emergency medical transportation and financing.