Medicaid; creating exception to certain prohibition on contracts with out-of-state providers. Effective date.

SB 257 allows Oklahoma Medicaid to reimburse out-of-state laboratories for specific diagnostic tests when no licensed Oklahoma provider offers those exact services. It amends Oklahoma law (63 O.S. 2021, § 5060) to create an exception to the general prohibition on contracting with out-of-state medical providers. The policy directly affects Medicaid beneficiaries requiring specialized lab services unavailable locally and the Oklahoma Health Care Authority, which must seek federal approval for implementation. The change becomes effective November 1, 2025.