SoonerCare patients in Oklahoma can expect an increase

Health care providers who offer services to SoonerCare patients in Oklahoma are expected to see a 5% rate increase that will raise the state’s Medicaid reimbursement rate to its highest level in more than five years.

The Oklahoma Health Care Authority said Friday the new rate will be effective Oct. 1, contingent upon its approval by the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

The rate increase is required under a billpassed by the state Legislature earlier this year. The agency projects the increase will cost the state about $21.3 million this fiscal year and about $28.3 million next year when fully implemented.

Certain services are excluded from the reimbursement rate increase, including durable medical equipment, non-emergency transportation, and services financed through appropriations to other state agencies