Governor’s Call to Roll Back Medicaid Expansion Puts 250,000 Oklahomans at Risk

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - Gov. Kevin Stitt’s remarks requesting that the legislature pursue a roll back of Medicaid expansion threaten critical health care access for more than 250,000 Oklahomans.

Medicaid expansion provides access to essential health care services like cancer screenings and preventive care. Substantively changing the program would add barriers to care for thousands of state residents, leading to economic stress and diminished health outcomes for many.

Since Oklahoma voters expanded Medicaid by ballot in 2020, over 250,000 hard-working Oklahomans gained access to lifesaving health insurance. Medicaid expansion decreases uncompensated care costs, alleviating financial burden from hospitals and taxpayers.

The following is a statement from Matt Glanville, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network Oklahoma government relations director:

“Oklahoma holds the fourth highest cancer mortality rate in the country. Research shows having health insurance is one of the most significant factors in whether someone survives a cancer diagnosis. Revoking coverage for thousands of hard-working Oklahomans is life-threatening. Affordable coverage is especially crucial to Oklahomans living in rural areas and to the rural health care systems serving them.

“The research is clear, Medicaid expansion saves lives. Medicaid expansion has been associated with improved rates of colorectal, prostate and cervical cancer screenings. Individuals enrolled in Medicaid prior to their cancer diagnosis had better survival rates than those who enrolled after their diagnosis. Medicaid expansion has been a success for all Oklahomans.

“The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), worked extensively alongside a broad coalition of health care professionals and grassroots advocates to lead efforts for expansion and will continue to urge lawmakers to protect it.”