OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Rob Standridge, R-Norman, released the following statement Friday after the Oklahoma State Medical Association (OSMA) and other health organizations asked the Oklahoma Supreme Court to issue an injunction against Medicaid managed care contracts.

“The Oklahoma State Medical Association contends the Oklahoma Health Care Authority went outside its authority and circumvented the legislature in implementing $2 billion in managed care contracts.  I completely agree and fully support the OSMA’s efforts.

“We’ve been told that these managed care companies would somehow improve care in our state.  However, a Dec. 16, 2020, study from the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) reports that there are likely very serious, widespread problems with managed care plans throughout the nation, and these problems are leading to ‘injury and neglect’ of patients on Medicaid.

“It is absolutely irresponsible for our state to implement such a potentially dangerous and massive change to our Medicaid system.  It disregarded the legislative branch, and blatantly circumvented the constitutionally mandated appropriation process of the Senate, House and Governor.”