Health gap

Oklahomans throughout the state are urging lawmakers to expand health care coverage before the legislative session ends. Various organizations within Coalition to Expand Coverage came together to host Rally for Coverage April 24 at the state Capitol.

Oklahoma is one of 14 states that has not accepted federal funds for Medicaid expansion. Expanded coverage would provide “more than 100,000 uninsured Oklahomans” with health care, according to the coalition’s website.

Rev. Joseph Alsay, rector of St. Augustine of Canterbury Episcopal Church, gave a speech at the rally in which he recounted stories of people struggling to afford live-saving medicine, resorting to diluting it or not being able to afford it and dying.

“Many times, these tragic stories could be diverted or prevented with adequate health care coverage,” he said. “More than 100,000 Oklahomans don’t have access to quality or affordable health care because the Legislature has not acted to expand access of health coverage to everyone. That means they can’t see a doctor. That means they can’t fill their prescriptions. That means they cannot adequately manage the chronic conditions like diabetes, and that’s just one of the ailments that plague our state. That’s utterly appalling, the fact that most of those who can’t afford insurance come from low-income working adults, from adults who just can’t make ends meet.”

Read more: https://www.okgazette.com/oklahoma/health-gap/Content?oid=6132978