© 2021
In touch with the world ... at home on the High Plains
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Oklahoma State-Run Insurance Program Continues to Struggle

Warren Vieth
/
Oklahoma Watch

Enrollment in Oklahoma’s state-supported health insurance program continues to dwindle,reportsPublic Radio Tulsa. The program, known as “Insure Oklahoma,” has been shrinking steadily for five years.

In July, the state rolled out a $450,000 marketing campaign in support of the program. The campaign features radio and TV spots, along with six billboards placed along key interstate highways. A sleeker website is also soon to come. Oklahoma has refused to accept federal dollars to expand Medicaid. So many officials say Insure Oklahoma is the best option for uninsured residents.

However, many state businesses have been wary of opting into the program. This is because Insure Oklahoma has been surviving on year-to-year extensions. Even today, the program is set to expire at the end of next year if it’s not renewed.