SoonerSelect enrollment opening with new benefits

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) - SoonerCare members shifting to SoonerSelect Health can pick their plans starting February 1.

According to the Oklahoma Health Care Authority, along with the usual SoonerCare benefits, each SoonerSelect plan includes extra value-added benefits.

“The transition to SoonerSelect marks a significant shift in the way many Oklahomans think about their health care,” said Ellen Buettner, Chief Executive Officer of the Oklahoma Health Care Authority. “Members will receive extra benefits that promote wellness both inside and outside of the doctor’s office, empowering individuals to lead healthy and productive lives.”

Officials say around 80% of SoonerCare members moving to SoonerSelect were sent a letter with instructions on how to find the plans, compare benefits and make a selection. Members are required to select their plan by March 10, or OHCA will select a plan for them. Members have 90 days from their enrollment date to change their plan.

Counseling is also provided to SoonerSelect members to help with plan selections and benefits so members can choose the right plan for them, according to OHCA.

Members shifting to SoonerSelect include children, low-income parents, pregnant woman and Expansion adults ages 19-64. Eligible American Indian/Alaskan Native members have the option to choose SoonerSelect. If not, they will stay in their current SoonerCare plan.

Three entities have been contracted by OHCA to provide SoonerSelect health benefits:

• Aetna Better Health of Oklahoma
• Humana Healthy Horizons
• Oklahoma Complete Health

OHCA says Oklahoma Complete Health will also work for the children's specialty program, which covers all Medicaid services, besides dental, for current and former foster care children, kids involved in juvenile justice and kids getting adoption assistance.

These three entities are using specific strategies to help achieve various goals:

• Incentivizing and encouraging primary care.
• Reducing unnecessary emergency room visits by investing in early, preventive treatment. 
• Expanding the primary care provider and specialist networks.

All health plans will have the same health care services offered by SoonerCare, including medically necessary prescriptions, health services and behavioral health services. Every plan also provides extra value-added benefits to enhance health outcomes for members:

• Monetary incentives for attending well-child and annual primary care visits.
• Enhanced vision services for adults such as eye exams and funds for contacts or eyeglasses.
• Home-based asthma interventions such as deep cleaning carpet and hypoallergenic bedding.
• Nutrition support including meals or money to address food insecurity.
• Healthy weight incentives including memberships to local community organizations and gyms. 
• Legal assistance, including criminal record expungement.

“OHCA’s commitment to whole-person wellness for SoonerCare members remains unwavering, and OHCA will promote the highest standard in health care delivery through SoonerSelect," Buettner said. "We're excited about the positive effect this will have on the health of our state and change the way future generations will use SoonerCare."

The implementation date for SoonerSelect health plans is set for April 1, 2024. SoonerSelect dental plan implementation is Feb. 1, 2024.

Members can log into MySoonerCare.org to select their plan. For updates or to learn more, visit oklahoma.gov/ohca/soonerselect/about.html.