Lung Association: Passage of State Question 802 an Important Step Forward in Improving Access to Quality, Affordable Healthcare in Oklahoma

The American Lung Association celebrates voter approval of State Question 802, an initiative that would expand eligibility for the state’s Medicaid program to low-income Oklahomans earning less than $1,500 a month:

“The American Lung Association applauds passage of State Question 802, an important step forward in improving access to quality and affordable healthcare in Oklahoma.

“State Question 802 expands Medicaid and would help nearly 200,000 Oklahomans access healthcare coverage. Studies have shown that Medicaid expansion improves use of preventive services, expands access to tobacco cessation, and improves early detection of cancer, among other health benefits. These are critical services for patients with lung disease and lung health issues.

“The Lung Association encourages the Governor to immediately implement expansion, which is more important than ever in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. We also call on the Governor to withdraw his dangerous application for a block grant waiver that would create obstacles to the benefits of those with Medicaid.

“We applaud the wisdom of the voters of Oklahoma in passing State Question 802.”