Oklahoma has hit another revenue failure. With no end in sight, Oklahoma is on the brink of more financial hardships. The first revenue failure was addressed in February’s OHCA meeting with a $9.5 million shortfall.  Since that time, Oklahoma has hit another revenue failure threshold to increase the amount of the ODMHSAS deficit to $23.5 million, which is the amount that needs to be saved in between now and June 30, 2016.

This deficit has caused the state to propose and implement more rate cuts and policy changes in the mental health field.  Some of the areas that will be taking rate cuts include, psychiatric residential treatment facilities (PRTF), inpatient facilities,  psychologists, therapists who are under supervision for licensure (LBHP Candidates),  and privately contracted LBHP’s (non-agency).

Policy changes may include holding the last remittance payment for FY 2016 and dispersing it with FY 2017 funds. Wording in policies on treatment plans will set new update limits, new daily and weekly limits will be set for therapy services, and a reduction in the number of sessions a privately contracted LBHP can see a client per month.

OrionNet Systems researches daily for information regarding rate cuts or changes. “Our customers need to be aware of the upcoming changes,” said Clyde Wafford, president of OrionNet Systems. “My team and I research daily for new information to keep our customers updated.” You can find more information about the proposed rate cuts and policy changes on the OHCA website. OrionNet Systems encourages you to post your thoughts on OHCA’s blog page and attend one of the upcoming meetings.

About OrionNet Systems

OrionNet is an Oklahoma small business founded in 2001. OrionNet has designed, developed and supported applications created both for the client-server and web environments, as well as developing, marketing and supporting a commercial application for the counseling centers industry.

Visit the OrionNet Systems’ website, www.iorion.com, or their social media pages, https://twitter.com/ThinkHealth & https://www.facebook.com/pages/OrionNet-Systems/139352156150090 for more information.

About the Oklahoma Health Care Authority

The Oklahoma Health Care Authority is the primary entity in the state of Oklahoma charged with controlling costs of state-purchased health care. https://www.okhca.org/PolicyBlog.aspx

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