Medicaid program; providing for certain reimbursement methodology for certain hospitals. Effective date. Emergency.

SB 226 changes how Oklahoma reimburses hospitals under its Medicaid program. It requires the Oklahoma Health Care Authority to pay rural emergency hospitals more for services to Medicaid patients and to pay 25% more for obstetrical care at hospitals certified as "Baby-Friendly" by Baby-Friendly USA. The bill mandates seeking federal approval for the obstetrics reimbursement change and takes effect July 1, 2025. These adjustments directly affect rural emergency hospitals and Baby-Friendly designated hospitals providing maternity care.