This transition, authorized by Oklahoma House Bill 1512 (2025), will enable Oklahoma to retain and reinvest revenue currently being sent to the federal government, enhance consumer experience, and spur local market growth. In addition to the transition, OID is planning to pursue a Section 1332 State Innovation Waiver to further strengthen affordability and market stability.
“By operating our own health insurance Exchange, Oklahoma can make decisions locally, reduce reliance on Washington, and empower Oklahomans to have access to affordable coverage options tailored to their needs,” said Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready. “Our goal is to encourage competition, make health insurance more affordable, and make sure the dollars Oklahomans already pay are used to build a better health insurance Exchange here at home.”
The Exchange will sit within OID and Deputy Commissioner for External Affairs, Ashley Scott, will serve as the Director. She has helped launch several successful programs in the department and has become a trusted regulator across the country and in Oklahoma with her health insurance knowledge.
“I appreciate Commissioner Mulready trusting me with this opportunity and look forward to this new challenge,” said Scott. “We are taking back control of our individual market and will better serve Oklahomans across the state with this effort.”
Key changes and benefits for Oklahoma consumers include:
- Local Control: Oklahoma will manage health coverage decisions, so policies reflect the needs of Oklahomans.
- Enhancing Consumer Experience: Oklahomans will have access to Oklahoma-based customer service, streamlined enrollment options, and a secure Exchange strengthened by partnerships with trusted local agents and web brokers.
- Keeping Oklahomans’ Dollars in Oklahoma: Oklahoma will take back millions of dollars each year that currently go to the federal government, keeping those resources in Oklahoma to support improvements that better serve Oklahomans.
- Improving Affordability and Stability: Oklahoma will create a state reinsurance program starting in the 2028 coverage year, supporting market competition and slowing cost increases.
Consumers will continue to use HealthCare.gov to enroll in health plans for 2026 and 2027 coverage. Beginning in November 2027, consumers will be able to shop for and enroll in plans for the 2028 coverage year through Oklahoma’s State-based Exchange.
OID will work closely with issuers, agents, and community partners to provide a smooth transition and will continue to coordinate with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to meet regulatory milestones.
You can find more information about this transition, including a FAQ document at oid.ok.gov.
ABOUT OID
The Oklahoma Insurance Department, an agency of the State of Oklahoma, is responsible for the education and protection of the insurance-buying public and for oversight of the insurance industry in the state.
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