Below are three things to know about the proposal.
1. Oklahoma Health Care Authority CEO Nico Gomez proposed the cigarette tax to lawmakers last week.
2. By taxing cigarettes an additional $1.50 per pack, the healthcare authority estimates the state would raise $182 million for its Medicaid program, enough to make the reimbursement cuts unnecessary.
3. OHA and OAHCP also said they support a plan to expand the state’s Insure Oklahoma program, which would allow Oklahoma to accept federal healthcare money. Oklahoma Hospital Association President Craig Jones said Medicaid expansion plan would reduce Oklahoma’s uninsured population by 30 percent.
More articles on payer issues and finance issues:
Payers warn of ACA death spiral
Mountain States Health Alliance to shut down health plan
Humana’s wellness and rewards program rebrands as Go365: 5 things to know
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