[vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image=”12270″][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]For Immediate Release
September 12, 2019
Muscogee (Creek) Nation Department of Health joins effort toward Medicaid expansion
OKMULGEE, Oklahoma – The Muscogee (Creek) Nation Department of Health encourages citizens to exercise their right as an Oklahoma voter by signing the petition to place State Question 802 on the upcoming 2020 ballot by hosting the petition in MCN Health facilities.
As the state with the second highest rated for uninsured residents in the U.S., nearly 200,000 Oklahomans have to decide if they are able to afford life-saving care. Those most affected are low-income working adults in service-industry jobs. They cannot afford coverage but are over the current rate guidelines to qualify for Medicaid. Expanding would provide health insurance for an individual who makes less than $17,000 a year or $29,000 for a family of three.
The Medicaid expansion measure lets voters decide on a much-anticipated healthcare solution. By signing the petition, individuals are neither agreeing or disagreeing with the proposed state question but rather expressing their right to address the issue in a nonpartisan manner.
Oklahoma is one of only 10 states currently not reaping the benefits other states are experiencing with Medicaid expansion. For MCN health facilities, Medicaid Expansion means additional patients would qualify for Medicaid called SoonerCare at zero cost to the State of Oklahoma for coverage. It also means additional revenue generation for our already underfunded program which receives significant less than the need from Federal funds.
MCNDH is supporting this initiative by providing the opportunity for petition signature in all of their facilities. The petition is available at MCN Health Facilities. For more information, please contact Rhonda Beaver at 918-591-5709.
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The Medicaid Expansion Petition & You
Q: “How does Medicaid expansion affect MCN Health?”
A: One in three patients are uninsured and MCN Health is only funded about half of the need from Federal funding. Medicaid Expansion will increase the Federal Poverty Level so more patients quality for Medicaid; which means more revenue generation for MCN Health to provide more services and providers for patients.
Q: “I am registered to vote for the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, but not the state, can I sign the petition?”
A: Signers must be registered to vote in the state of Oklahoma. Only the voter can sign their name and fill in other information on the signature line.
Q: “Does signing the petition mean I agree with Medicaid expansion?”
A: The petition’s purpose is to place the measure on the ballot. Signers are neither agreeing or disagreeing with the Medicaid expansion, but simply letting voters decide for the state.
Q: Where is the petition available?
A: The petition is available in MCN Health facilities, those interested in signing can ask MCNDH staff for assistance.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]