Oklahoma Medicaid
Last verified: June 2026
Informational resource — not affiliated with Oklahoma
Federal changes to SoonerCare are being implemented in 2025 and 2026
What is SoonerCare?
SoonerCare is Oklahoma's Medicaid program, administered by the Oklahoma Health Care Authority (OHCA). SoonerCare provides health coverage for low-income Oklahomans — children, pregnant women, families, adults with disabilities, and seniors. The program name "SoonerCare" reflects the state's nickname; the underlying federal program is Medicaid.
Oklahoma expanded Medicaid on July 1, 2021 — a significant change. The expansion resulted from State Question 802, a ballot initiative passed by Oklahoma voters in June 2020. This made Oklahoma the 37th state to expand Medicaid under the ACA. Before July 2021, able-bodied adults without dependent children had no pathway to SoonerCare coverage regardless of income.
Expansion added coverage for adults ages 19 to 64 with income at or below 138% of the Federal Poverty Level. SoonerCare now serves approximately 1.5 million Oklahomans — about one in three state residents, per OHCA. The program is funded through the federal-state Medicaid matching formula, with the federal government covering 90% of expansion costs under the ACA.
SoonerCare coverage programs
SoonerCare (traditional Medicaid)
Fee-for-service coverage for qualifying groups including low-income children and families, pregnant women, and certain adults with disabilities who do not participate in the managed care program. Traditional SoonerCare has no monthly premium for most members.
SoonerSelect (managed care)
Oklahoma's managed care program, launched in 2023, requires most SoonerCare members to select a managed care plan from three contracted health plans. Members receive all physical and behavioral health services through their selected SoonerSelect plan, which assigns a primary care provider.
SoonerCare Choice
Primary care management model for members not enrolled in SoonerSelect managed care. Members are assigned a primary care provider through a primary care management component. Distinct from full managed care in that providers remain paid fee-for-service rather than through a capitated plan.
Insure Oklahoma
Oklahoma's premium assistance program for low-income workers with access to employer-sponsored insurance. Insure Oklahoma helps pay employee premiums for qualifying small businesses. Part of Oklahoma's broader Medicaid strategy predating ACA expansion.
Who qualifies for SoonerCare?
Per OHCA's eligibility guidelines, the main qualifying groups are:
- Adults ages 19–64 with income at or below 138% FPL — eligible since July 1, 2021 under ACA expansion
- Children: low-income children up to age 18 are covered at higher income thresholds than adults
- Pregnant women: pregnant Oklahomans have access to full prenatal and delivery care through SoonerCare
- Seniors and people with disabilities: eligible through separate non-MAGI rules
- Foster youth: young adults who were in foster care may continue SoonerCare eligibility up to age 26
- Oklahoma residents only — a current Oklahoma address is required
Source: OHCA SoonerCare eligibility pages at oklahoma.gov/ohca; State Question 802 (2020) authorizing Medicaid expansion effective July 1, 2021. Verify current income limits and qualifying groups at oklahoma.gov/ohca.
Oklahoma Medicaid topics
How to apply
Income limits
Dental coverage
Seniors and long-term care
Medicaid renewal
CHIP
What does Oklahoma Health Care Authority (SoonerCare) cover?
Medicaid covers a broad range of health services. Federal law mandates certain benefits — inpatient and outpatient hospital care, physician services, lab work, X-rays, and nursing facility services, among others. States add optional services on top of those. Dental, vision, and long-term home care coverage vary by state.
The national benefits overview lists required and commonly optional services. Check the Oklahoma Health Care Authority (SoonerCare) website for the current state-specific benefit package.
How to apply
Most people can apply online through Oklahoma's Medicaid portal, by phone, or in person at a local eligibility office. The how to apply page walks through each method, what documents you'll need, and what to expect during the review period.
Under 42 CFR 435.912, states must process most standard Medicaid applications within 45 days (90 days for disability-based applications). Oklahoma must follow that federal timeline.