Medicaid; requiring the Oklahoma Health Care Authority to provide certain reimbursement to hospitals under specified conditions. Effective date. Emergency.

SB 203 requires the Oklahoma Health Care Authority to reimburse hospitals 100% of the statewide average nursing facility per diem rate for Medicaid patients who meet specific criteria. It directly affects hospitals and Medicaid enrollees who no longer need acute inpatient care but require nursing facility-level care upon discharge and cannot be transferred due to bed shortages or unresolved guardianship issues. The bill mandates this reimbursement subject to federal approval, effective July 1, 2025, and declares an emergency to expedite implementation. This policy change ensures hospitals receive full payment for transitional care services under defined circumstances.