OID announces state-based health insurance exchange

OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma Insurance Department announced that Oklahoma will transition from the federally facilitated HealthCare.gov platform to a state-based exchange (SBE) for the 2028 open enrollment period.

This transition, authorized last year by Oklahoma House Bill 1512, will enable Oklahoma to retain and reinvest revenue currently being sent to the federal government, enhance consumer experience, and spur local market growth.

In addition to the transition, the Insurance Department plans to pursue a State Innovation Waiver to further strengthen affordability and market stability, state Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready said.

"By operating our own health insurance exchange, Oklahoma can make decisions locally, reduce reliance on Washington, and empower Oklahomans to have access to affordable coverage options tailored to their needs," Mulready said. "Our goal is to encourage competition, make health insurance more affordable, and make sure the dollars Oklahomans already pay are used to build a better health insurance exchange here at home."

The exchange will sit within OID, and Deputy Commissioner for External Affairs Ashley Scott will serve as the director. She has helped launch several successful programs in the department, Mulready said.

Key changes and benefits for Oklahoma consumers, Scott said, will include:

Local control: Oklahoma will manage health coverage decisions, so policies reflect the needs of Oklahomans.

Enhancing consumer experience: Oklahomans will have access to Oklahoma-based customer service, streamlined enrollment options, and a secure exchange strengthened by partnerships with trusted local agents and web brokers.

Keeping Oklahomans' dollars in this state: Oklahoma will take back millions of dollars each year that currently are paid to the federal government, keeping those resources in Oklahoma to support improvements that better serve this state's residents.

Improving affordability and stability: Oklahoma will create a state reinsurance program starting in the 2028 coverage year, supporting market competition and slowing cost increases.

Consumers will continue to use HealthCare.gov to enroll in health plans for 2026 and 2027 coverage. Beginning in November 2027, consumers will be able to shop for and enroll in plans for the 2028 coverage year through Oklahoma's state-based exchange.

The Insurance Department will work closely with issuers, agents, and community partners to provide a smooth transition and will continue to coordinate with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to meet regulatory milestones, Mulready said.

More information about the transition, including a FAQ document, can be found at oid.ok.gov.