State Representative Tim Turner (R-Kinta)
OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Tim Turner, R-Kinta, on Monday participated in a study on how the state’s managed care system is impacting health care providers across the state. The study took place before the House Appropriations & Budget Health Subcommittee.
“It was brought to my attention that health care providers’ claims are not being processed in a timely manner, some almost a year behind,” Turner said. “We must ensure Oklahomans are receiving the care they need, but also that providers are being reimbursed efficiently, which will allow them to provide broader care.”
During his part of the study, Turner examined expectations to what the standards are moving forward and how to keep medical and mental health care providers operating in Oklahoma without patients losing care and doctors closing their doors. He also looked at the the difference in how state dollars were spent prior to managed health care being implemented in 2024 and the present to see if the state is saving money.
Former state Rep. Dr. Randy Randleman, a licensed psychologist, was one of the speakers in the interim study.
“This was one of the best interim studies I have attended at the Capitol,” Randleman said. “Each mental health provider detailed the difficulties they are facing since moving to managed care, and information was exchanged and provided to address many of those challenges. I am hopeful that we can move forward in a more efficient manner that helps us provide the essential services needed in the urban and rural areas of our state.”
Audra Deckard, MHr, MEd, LPC, from Myriad Counseling Solutions LLC in Rep. Turner’s House district, also presented during the study.
“I want to sincerely thank the attending state representatives for taking the time to hear directly from providers. The interim study was a meaningful exchange that shed light on the real challenges we’re facing — delayed and inconsistent payments, overwhelming administrative burdens, system errors leaving hundreds of claims unresolved, and the loss of access for Medicaid members. It was a productive conversation that brought these realities into focus, and I’m hopeful that through continued bipartisan collaboration, meaningful improvements are on the horizon to build a fair and functional system for Oklahoma providers and the people we serve.”
Rep. Tim Turner, a Republican, represents House District 15 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. His district includes Haskell County and portions of McIntosh, Muskogee, Le Flore and Pittsburg counties.
Get Local News!
