Managing your health can involve primary care providers, specialists, prescriptions, tests and services across multiple settings. Keeping those pieces connected matters. Health plans can help coordinate care by working with members and providers to identify needs, connect people with covered services and support continuity across the health care system. That coordination can be especially valuable for people managing chronic conditions or complex health needs. When health plans, providers and members work together, the goal is a more connected experience focused on access, quality and better health outcomes.

During #NationalPharmacyWeek, OAHP recognizes the pharmacists and pharmacy professionals who play an important role in Oklahoma’s health care system. From helping patients understand their medications to supporting safe and appropriate medication use, pharmacy professionals are an important part of the care team. Health plans work with pharmacies, providers and other health care partners to help members access covered medications and navigate their pharmacy benefits. Thank you to Oklahoma’s pharmacy professionals for the work you do every day to serve patients and communities across our state.

Copay and coinsurance sound similar, but they can work differently. A copay is generally a set dollar amount you may pay for a covered health care service. Coinsurance is generally a percentage of the cost of a covered service that you may be responsible for paying. Which costs apply, and how much you pay, depends on your specific health plan and the care you receive. Knowing these basic terms can make it easier to understand your benefits, anticipate potential costs and get more out of your health coverage.

October is #BreastCancerAwarenessMonth, an opportunity to highlight the importance of prevention, screening and staying connected to care. Routine health visits give patients an opportunity to talk with their providers about individual risk factors and determine which preventive screenings may be appropriate. Health coverage can help support those connections by providing access to covered preventive services and helping members understand and navigate their benefits. This month, we encourage Oklahomans to stay engaged in their health and talk with their health care provider about the preventive care that is right for them.

Good information can help create a more connected health care system. Health plans use health care data to better understand the needs of the populations they serve, identify potential gaps in care and support quality improvement efforts. That information can help identify opportunities for preventive care, support coordination for members with ongoing health needs and evaluate whether programs are helping improve outcomes.

Health insurance comes with a lot of terms. Understanding a few of the basics can make coverage easier to use. A deductible is the amount you may need to pay for covered health care services before your health plan begins paying according to the terms of your coverage. Your deductible is only one part of your health care costs. Depending on your plan and the service you receive, premiums, copays and coinsurance may also apply.

More than $4 million of Oklahoma’s Rural Health Transformation funding is being put to work at SWOSU to expand rural care, strengthen specialty services, and support the healthcare workforce in western Oklahoma. Learn more: koco.com/article/oklahoma-ru…

October is #HealthLiteracyMonth, an opportunity to highlight the importance of making health care and health coverage easier to understand. Knowing the difference between a premium and deductible, understanding where to find in-network care, reviewing your plan benefits and knowing who to contact with questions can all help make coverage easier to navigate. Health plans have an important role in providing members with information and resources that help them understand their benefits and make informed decisions about their care.

Today is #WorldHeartDay, a reminder of the importance of prevention and staying connected to care. Routine health visits give patients and providers an opportunity to monitor health, discuss individual risk factors and determine what preventive care may be appropriate. Health coverage can help make those connections possible by providing access to covered preventive services and ongoing care.

A historic investment is coming to Oklahoma health care. The University of Oklahoma has received a record $150 million gift from Harold Hamm, including funding for diabetes research, education, and the recruitment of new researchers to Oklahoma. Learn more: koco.com/article/ou-health-c…

What does it mean when a provider is “in network”? A provider network is the group of doctors, hospitals and other health care providers that contract with a health plan to provide services to its members. Depending on your coverage, receiving care from an in-network provider can affect what you pay out of pocket. That’s why it’s important to understand your plan’s network and check whether a provider participates before receiving care. A little knowledge about how your plan works can make health care easier to navigate.

Access to quality health care matters in every Oklahoma county. For rural Oklahomans, getting care can come with additional challenges, including longer travel distances and fewer nearby providers or specialists. Health plans are one part of addressing those challenges by building provider networks, helping members navigate available services and supporting coordination across different settings of care.

Today is #WorldPatientSafetyDay, an opportunity to recognize the shared responsibility of making health care safer for every patient. Patient safety depends on strong communication, coordination and collaboration across the health care system. Health plans can help support those efforts by working with providers to promote quality improvement, coordinate care and help members navigate the services they need. For patients managing multiple providers, medications or ongoing health conditions, a more connected system can be especially important. OAHP is proud to represent health plans working alongside providers and health care partners to support quality, coordinated care and better health outcomes for Oklahomans.

September is #HealthyAgingMonth, an opportunity to highlight the importance of staying connected to care at every stage of life. Regular checkups, recommended screenings and ongoing management of chronic conditions can help people stay engaged in their health and identify concerns earlier. Health plans help support that connection by providing access to covered services, helping members navigate their benefits and coordinating care when health needs become more complex.

Today, we pause to remember the lives lost on September 11, 2001, and honor the courage of the first responders, service members, health care professionals, and everyday Americans who answered tragedy with extraordinary acts of service and compassion. We remember those whose lives were forever changed, and we honor the resilience and unity shown in the days that followed.

What does Medicaid managed care actually do? In Oklahoma, #SoonerSelect brings the state, health plans and providers together around a shared goal: helping Medicaid members access quality care while strengthening accountability across the program. Managed care organizations help coordinate services, support quality improvement, use data to identify health needs and strengthen program integrity. They also work with providers and the Oklahoma Health Care Authority to help ensure Medicaid resources are used responsibly and reach the people the program is designed to serve. It’s a model focused not simply on paying for services, but on supporting better outcomes, stronger accountability and a more sustainable Medicaid program.

Wishing everyone across Oklahoma a safe, healthy and enjoyable Labor Day weekend! OAHP is proud to represent health plans working to support access to quality health coverage and care for Oklahomans across our state.

OHCA has begun notifying SoonerCare members who may be affected by new federal work requirements taking effect January 1, 2027. Adults ages 19–64 who are not otherwise exempt will need to complete 80 hours per month through employment, community service or work programs, and/or educational programs, or demonstrate a minimum monthly income. Members who receive a yellow letter from OHCA should read it carefully and watch for additional instructions. Learn more: Oklahoma.gov/OHCA/WorkRequir…

Health care often involves more than one doctor, appointment or service. That’s where care coordination comes in. Health plans can help connect the different pieces of a member’s care, working alongside providers to support access to services, help members navigate ongoing health needs and promote continuity across the health care system. For members managing chronic or complex conditions, that coordination can be especially important. Strong collaboration among health plans, providers and members helps create a more connected system focused on quality, access and better health outcomes.

September is #SuicidePreventionMonth, an opportunity to raise awareness about mental health, encourage conversations and remind Oklahomans that support is available. Access to behavioral health care is an important part of a strong health care system. Health coverage can help connect individuals and families with mental health services, treatment and ongoing support when they need it. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis or needs immediate support, call or text 988 to connect with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. This month and throughout the year, we recognize the importance of making mental health resources accessible and helping Oklahomans know where to turn for support.