Oklahoma Medicaid
Updated August 2026
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.
SoonerCare work requirements begin January 1, 2027
H.R. 1 (signed July 4, 2025) requires states, including Oklahoma, to implement Medicaid community engagement (work) requirements for expansion adults no later than January 1, 2027, per a CMS interim final rule issued in 2026. The Oklahoma Health Care Authority (OHCA) is preparing to implement these and other H.R. 1 changes. Visit oklahoma.gov/ohca for the latest updates. Keep your contact information current with OHCA.
What is SoonerCare?
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 Health Care Authority (SoonerCare)
Visit the official Oklahoma Medicaid website Check your SoonerCare eligibilityRelated guides
What Is Medicaid?
An overview of how the program works, who runs it, and who it covers.
Read more →Eligibility Requirements
The income, household, age, and state rules that determine who qualifies.
Read more →How to Apply
A step-by-step walkthrough of the application process and what you'll need.
Read more →