Medicaid 'rebalancing' plan likely dead in Oklahoma

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — A proposal to rebalance the state's Medicaid population and tap into an infusion of federal funding under the Affordable Care Act appears to be dead in the Oklahoma Legislature.

With just one week remaining before lawmakers are set to adjourn, Senate President Pro Tem Brian Bingman says there isn't enough support in the GOP-controlled Senate to approve it. A proposed $1.50-per-pack tax increase on cigarettes to help pay for the state's share was defeated in the Oklahoma House.

Without more funding, the state's Medicaid agency says they will have to impose 25 percent cuts to Medicaid provider rates. Oklahoma Health Care Authority CEO Nico Gomez says a plan to vote on those rate cuts Monday will be tabled until lawmakers reach an overall budget agreement.

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The Gayly - 5/23/2016 @ 11:44 a.m. CDT