Deputy Medicaid director to speak Sept 13 about Medicaid expansion at Canadian County Democrats’ meeting

YUKON, Okla. – Deputy State Medicaid Director Traylor Rains, J.D., will speak to the Canadian County Democrats about Medicaid expansion at 7 p.m. on Monday, September 13.

The public is invited to attend the meeting in the conference room at the Yukon Police Department, 100 S. Ranchwood Boulevard. Masks will be required.

Participants can also join the meeting on Zoom at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5515451639 or phone in at 346-248-7799.

“I’m excited about the opportunity to talk about Medicaid expansion and its impact on access to healthcare and reducing the number of uninsured people in Oklahoma,” Rains said.

Medicaid expansion took effect in Oklahoma on July 1, making health care available to more than 150,000 newly insured Oklahomans who have already qualified for benefits.
Under expanded Medicaid guidelines, adults, ages 19-64, whose incomes are 138% or lower than the federal poverty level are eligible for coverage. For one person, that is an income of about $17,796 a year, or $36,588 for a family of four.

To apply online, visit www.MySoonerCare.org. To apply over the phone, call the SoonerCare Helpline at 800-987-7767. To send in an application by mail, printable applications can be found in English and Spanish on the Oklahoma Health Care Authority website at https://tinyurl.com/48ycjrha.

After earning his law degree from Baylor University, Rains began his15-year career in public service in leadership roles within the Department of Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services and the Department of Human Services.

In his current role, Traylor is responsible for directing several divisions within Oklahoma Health Care Authority, including Behavioral Health, Federal & State Authorities, Long Term Services and Supports and Tribal Government Relations.

Rains led planning and implementation efforts for several state health service initiatives including Oklahoma’s Health Homes for Adults with Serious Mental Illness and Serious Emotional Disturbance, the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic Model, and Oklahoma’s Medicaid Expansion.

He serves on several boards and committees including the State Board of Behavioral Health Licensure, the Public Health Institute of Oklahoma, the Oklahoma Autism Center Foundation Strategic Planning Committee and the state Behavioral Health Advisory Council.

The Canadian County Democrats regularly meet at 7:00 p.m. on the second Monday of each month, except December, at the Yukon Police Department. For more information, email chair@canadiancodems.org or phone 405-326-3600.