Expansion on the way
Aline used on the golf course applies to Oklahoma's vote on Medicaid expansion — the name of the game isn't how, it's how many.
In this case, we're talking about votes, and by a whisker, proponents of expansion wound up with more Tuesday. On an issue where 674,040 votes were cast, State Question 802 passed by a 6,518 votes — a margin of less than 1%.
This means Medicaid expansion will become enshrined in the state's constitution, and thus any future change would require another vote of the people — highly unlikely. It means Medicaid, which covers about 800,000 Oklahomans, will be expanded to cover adults younger than 65 whose income does not exceed 133% of the federal poverty level, with the federal government footing 90% of the bill and Oklahoma paying 10%.
The state's tab is uncertain. The Oklahoma Health Care Authority estimates it will cost about $164 million per year to cover 200,000 additional Medicaid recipients. Opponents of expansion say the cost will be much higher because, as has happened in some other states that expanded Medicaid, more people than expected will enroll.
Gov. Kevin Stitt opposed SQ 802, saying Tuesday the state's portion would have to come from other agencies or from a tax increase and, “As your governor, I'm not raising taxes.” This session, the Legislature approved a funding mechanism bill that Stitt sought, but he vetoed it.
Amber England, head of the Yes on 802 campaign, said the state has been wasteful in “leaving $1 billion on the table every single year that we could have been bringing home to invest in our communities and providing health care to our folks.” Oklahoma must expand its program by July 1 of next year. Backers of SQ 802 say expansion will improve health outcomes, help medical providers and create jobs. We'll see in time whether that proves true.
Tuesday's primary included other noteworthy results:
• In a nine-person race for the Republican nomination for the 5th District congressional seat, businesswoman
Terry Neese and state Sen. Stephanie Bice advanced to the Aug. 25 runoff. Neese won 36.5% of the vote. Bice 25.4%. They hope to unseat first-term U.S. Rep. Kendra Horn, D-Oklahoma City, who trounced her primary opponent with 85.6% support.
• A handful of incumbent state lawmakers lost their primary races. Particularly surprising was House District 88, where Rep. Jason Dunnington, D-Oklahoma City, who has done good work during his three terms, lost to progressive challenger Mauree Turner. If she wins in November, Turner will be Oklahoma's first Muslim legislator.
• In Oklahoma County, Sheriff P.D. Taylor couldn't avoid a Republican runoff. Taylor won 48% of the vote but must face Norman police officer Tommie Johnson, who won 33%. The Democratic nominee is Oklahoma City police officer Wayland Cubit, who easily won his primary. History would be made if Johnson or Cubit ultimately wins the job. Both are African American, and Oklahoma County has never had a Black sheriff. Stay tuned.