Thanks to a new policy, low-income Oklahomans will soon have better access to in-patient mental health and addiction services.
Federal guidelines don't allow Medicaid members to receive inpatient services at free-standing psychiatric hospitals, and they cap crisis stabilization beds at 16 statewide. But, that just changed for Oklahoma.
The state’s Medicaid agency announced a waiver last week that will allow Medicaid members more access to in-facility mental health and addiction care. The state’s Medicaid and mental health agencies worked with the federal government to secure the waiver.
Oklahoma Health Care Authority CEO Kevin Corbett said the approval comes at a critical time.
“With Medicaid expansion beginning July 1, many Oklahomans with behavioral health disorders will be able to access the appropriate care at the right place when they need it,” said Corbett in a written statement.
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