Health Care
Changes to healthcare are coming. Hundreds of thousands of Oklahomans are going to be affected by the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act in the federal legislature. Although we don’t know the extent of the impact yet, experts predict we are likely to see new Medicaid (SoonerCare) work requirements, increased verification for eligibility, limited state Medicaid (SoonerCare) funding, and reduced uninsured rate by making it harder to obtain and maintain health insurance coverage. These changes could result in billions of dollars in lost hospital funding, potential hospital closures, increased food insecurity and much more. The bill has been passed; now, it's our turn to do everything we can to ensure Oklahomans don’t lose their insurance, including SoonerCare. I have fought and will continue to fight for equal, fair and expanded health benefits so Oklahoma can be a leader in healthcare.
Protecting SoonerCare
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SoonerCare is the brand name for Oklahoma's Medicaid program, a state and federally funded health coverage program for low-income individuals and families. It covers various health services, including doctor visits, hospitalization and prescriptions. Key populations that may qualify include children, pregnant women, adults with limited income, and those who are blind or disabled.
I don’t want you to be confused: SoonerCare IS Medicaid. The federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act will kick 100s of thousands of Oklahomans off of SoonerCare because of the changes it will make to Medicaid. The state legislature has the power to protect and expand your Medicaid access. It’s time for us to ensure all Oklahomans receive the access to healthcare they deserve.
Eliminating Food Insecurity
“Food Insecurity” is a term defined by the USDA as “a household-level economic and social condition of limited or uncertain access to adequate food.” Food Insecurity affects 15% of Oklahomans, which is more than the national average of 13.5%. Food insecurity exacerbates chronic illnesses including kidney disease, hypertension, diabetes and obesity.
Food insecure children are more likely to have: (one in four oklahoma children are food insecure)
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Lower reading and math scores
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Significant behavior and social problems
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Lower high school graduation rates
Hunger costs Oklahoma over $1.4 billion each year through increased illness and decreased academic achievement alone. Increasing access to affordable, nutritious food will not only reduce the likelihood of chronic illness, but will increase the strength of our labor force and educational attainment.
The Importance of Mental Healthcare
Mental health is just as important to maintain as physical health. I believe that access to mental health resources is crucial to ensuring the best quality of life for Oklahomans.
Since I’ve been your state representative, I have joined the committee on public health and sponsored HB-1424, which created an assistance program for school staff under the Dept. of Mental Health. I will continue to do all I can to protect the mental health of Oklahomans.
Expanding Women's Healthcare
18% of women in Oklahoma have no health insurance, as of 2022. Since Roe v. Wade was overturned, maternal mortality rates in Oklahoma went from 23.5 per 100,000 to 47.5 per 100,000. Additionally, 66/77 Oklahoma counties have limited or no access to maternal healthcare. To combat this, I have helped sponsor HB-2014, which expanded medicaid coverage for women 12 months post pregnancy.