💵 Increased provider rates begin October 1!

Provider rate increases, new policies to know, training opportunities, OHCA closings and more!

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Provider Checkup masthead

Fall 2018, Vol. 1

Provider Checkup yellow section divider 1

Increased provider reimbursements begin October 1

Piggy bank and stethoscope on a white background

Program and administrative savings, record drug rebate collections fund rate increases

In collaboration with state and legislative leadership, the Oklahoma Health Care Authority (OHCA) will give the first across-the-board reimbursement rate increases since 2009 to long-term care and other SoonerCare (Oklahoma Medicaid) providers. The OHCA Board unanimously voted to approve the rate increases at the September 13 meeting.

No new state dollars, carryover or other one-time funds will be used for the increases, which go into effect on Oct.1, 2018. 

Consistent with the legislative direction of Senate Bill 1605 that was signed into law in May 2018, OHCA proposed using program and administrative savings and record drug rebate collections to increase the provider rates by four percent for long-term care facilities and three percent for other certain contracted provider types or groups.

As also directed in the legislation, these rate increases will be in compliance with federal and state law and regulations, as well as state cost reimbursement methodologies. 

A three percent rate increase puts SoonerCare PCP rates at about 89.17 percent of the Medicare physician fee schedule. In addition to PCP rates, the three percent increase will affect most provider types including hospitals, dentists and pharmacies.

Read more here.

Back to top

 

Provider Checkup yellow section divider 2

Public presents questions, challenges for proposed SoonerCare work requirements

From Aug. 16, 2018, the Oklahoma Health Care Authority (OHCA) has held a series of listening sessions statewide regarding changes to the SoonerCare Choice and Insure Oklahoma 1115(a) Demonstration Waiver programs’ work and community engagement requirements. Agency leadership and program staff traveled across the state to take questions and comments from the public about the proposal.

Potential community partners and entities that can offer engagement and training opportunities as part of the proposed new SoonerCare eligibility requirements were encouraged to participate in the public comment period.

The public has also been able to submit comments online at the OHCA Policy Change Blog or on the Native American Consultation Page.

You can read more about the proposed waiver and who it may affect in our special handout.

Public comments close September 30.

Proposed work and Community engagement requirements handout

After Gov. Mary Fallin signed an executive order in March 2018 and the legislature passed HB 2932, the OHCA was directed to pursue modifications to Medicaid eligibility criteria so that SoonerCare (Oklahoma Medicaid) coverage for certain Medicaid populations is conditional upon documentation of certain education, skills training, work, or job activities.

The OHCA will have to apply for a waiver amendment from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and receive approval in order to implement the work/community engagement requirements.

Back to top

Provider Checkup yellow section divider 2

Push start on your SoonerCare knowledge upgrade!

Metal button where it is written learn and start.

SoonerCare may be complex, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. You and your staff can learn what it takes to navigate SoonerCare expertly behind the scenes.  Starting September 27, OHCA will bring some of our hottest topics, latest updates and new processes to Lawton, Durant, Tulsa, Guymon and OKC.

Fall Training topics include, but are not limited to: how to use the SoonerCare Provider Portal (including claims and reconciliation); submitting medical PAs for InterQual®-related procedures and troubleshooting errors; requirements for rendering and billing SoonerCare for school-based health services; contraceptive access in Oklahoma; how to submit PAs into the Department of Mental Health system (PICIS); and care management services offered for SoonerCare members.

Please visit the Training page of our website for complete course listings, descriptions and to register for an event near you.

  • Lawton - September 27
  • Durant - October 4
  • Tulsa - October 10 and 11
  • Guymon - October 17
  • OKC - October 24 and 25

OHCA and DXC host the SoonerCare Provider Training Workshops. We highly recommend that all providers attend a training in their area.

Back to top

Provider Checkup yellow section divider 2

Prepare for holiday closures

Holiday season is upon us, which means OHCA offices will be closed on several dates. These closings are by Executive Order, for observance of the following state holidays:

Nov. 12, 2018 -- Veterans' Day

Nov. 22-23, 2018 -- Thanksgiving

OHCA staff will be ready to address any concerns you have during normal business hours.

Thank you.

high-angle shot of a blue wooden table full of ingredients to prepare a stuffed turkey

Provider Notes

Policy and programs

New policy changes in effect

The Oklahoma Health Care Authority (OHCA) has made policy changes, which were issued through the 2018 legislative session per the Administrative Procedures Act. All policy changes went into effect Sept. 14, 2018, and can be viewed on the Policy webpage. You will find a sampling of these changes listed below. Full details are also available in provider letters 2018-18, 2018-19, 2018-20, and 2018-21 at okhca.org.

Medically Fragile Waiver revisions

Medically Fragile policy at OAC 317:50-1-2, 317:50-1-3, 317:50-1-5, 317:50-1-6, 317:50-1-9, 317:50-1-11, 317:50-1-12 and 317:50-1-14 is revised to update the overview, services, and annual re-evaluation sections of existing policy for general clarification and alignment with the approved waiver. Additional changes include new language provides guidelines on when to update the Uniform Comprehensive Assessment Tool, new environmental modifications service guidelines, as well as direction on how to submit payments for this service, among others.

Expedited appeals updates

Appeals policy is amended at OAC 317:2-1-2 and added at OAC 317:2-1-2.5 to clarify timelines for appeal decisions. Additionally, a new section outlines expedited appeals that are required in cases in which an appellant's life or health could be in jeopardy.

Prior authorization updates

The addition of prior authorization (PA) policy at OAC 317:30-3-31 and 317:30-3-32 clarifies the scope of a section as encompassing all PAs. Revisions add language about how a provider can obtain information on how and/or where to submit PA requests. Additionally, revisions update a list of services requiring a PA and more.

Pharmacy policy updates

Amendment of pharmacy policy at OAC 317:30-3-57, 317:30-5-70, 317:30-5-70.1, 317:30-5-70.2, 317:30-5-72, 317:30-5-72.1, 317:30-5-76, 317:30-5-77.2, and 317:30-5-78.1 clarifies eligible provider qualifications for pharmacies. Revisions outline that pharmacies may be selected for audits; therefore, pharmacy records must be available for seven years. Additionally, naloxone for use in opioid overdose will not count toward the prescription limit. Revisions also remove coverage for over-the-counter cough and cold medicine. New rules require providers to dispense brand-name medication when the net cost to the agency of the brand-name medication is lower than the net cost of the generic medication. Finally, language clarifies and outlines claim submission and reversals when members do not pick up medications in a timely manner.

The OHCA encourages you to review each rule change in its entirety. Moreover, please inform your administrative, billing, and compliance departments about these policy changes.

If you have any questions regarding these rule changes, please call the OHCA Provider Helpline at 1-800-522-0114.

 

These rule changes were posted to the OHCA Proposed Policy Changes website on December 15, 2017, through January 16, 2018; or January 17, 2018, through February 16, 2018, during the 2018 permanent rulemaking session.

Back to top

Provider Checkup yellow section divider 1

Provider services and outreach

SoonerRide confirmation surveys

Nurse holding a phone while searching a folder

Logisticare (SoonerRide) needs your help to verify visits to your facility by SoonerCare members. Logisticare arranges non-emergency transportation for medically-necessary health care appointments.

OHCA has authorized Logisticare to conduct daily surveys on a small number of randomly-selected SoonerCare providers and members. Their calls are to confirm that you saw a member, as a patient, on a specific date and time. These surveys also help OHCA to satisfy federal requirements from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

LogistiCare has a signed HIPAA agreement with OHCA. If contacted, please instruct your staff to cooperate with the LogistiCare representative by checking your records. Representatives will identify themselves and the purpose of the call.

We thank you in advance for your cooperation. If you have questions about these surveys, please call the OHCA Provider Helpline at 800-522-0114. 

Back to top 


LARC provider training

Focus Forward Oklahoma logo with icons

Focus Forward Oklahoma, a program of the Oklahoma Health Care Authority, is focused on increasing access to and utilization of long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) in Oklahoma. Training sessions provide the most up-to-date information on LARC, patient-centered counseling and hands-on clinical skills for insertion/removal of LARC devices. Trainings are at no cost to providers.

Upcoming sessions:

LARC Provider Trainings in OKC and Tulsa, various dates Sept. 8, 2018, through June 8, 2019

OHCA offers LARC provider training through partnership with the following training sites:

  • University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Clinical Skills Education and Testing Center (CSETC) in Oklahoma City
  • Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences Clinical Skills and Simulation Center (OSU) in Tulsa
  • University of Oklahoma Tulsa Simulation Lab (SCOUT) 

For more information, please email focusforwardok@okhca.org or register online at okhca.org/LARCTraining.

Back to top


Guidance from the CDC for providers, SCD patients

Illustration of blood drop on white background

Sickle Cell Disease in Brief
September is National Sickle Cell Awareness Month. Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a group of inherited red blood cell disorders. Sickle cells can get stuck in small blood vessels and block the flow of blood and oxygen to organs in the body. These blockages cause repeated episodes of severe pain, organ damage, serious infections, or even stroke.

SCD is a disease that worsens over time. Various treatments are available that can prevent complications and lengthen the lives of those who have this condition; however, options differ for each person depending on the symptoms and severity. Treatment may include the FDA-approved medications hydroxyurea or Endari™, or even a stem cell/bone marrow transplant – which can actually cure SCD in some cases.

Statistics
SCD affects millions of people throughout the world. It is particularly common among those whose ancestors came from sub-Saharan Africa; Spanish-speaking regions in the Western Hemisphere (South America, the Caribbean, and Central America); Saudi Arabia; India; and Mediterranean countries such as Turkey, Greece, and Italy. In the United States, the exact number of people living with SCD in the U.S. is unknown (there is no national registry). However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that:

  • SCD affects approximately 100,000 Americans.
  • SCD occurs among about 1 out of every 365 Black or African-American births.
  • SCD occurs among about 1 out of every 16,300 Hispanic-American births.
  • About 1 in 13 Black or African-American babies is born with sickle cell trait (SCT).

Doctor in consultation with black male patient

Barriers to Care
It used to be that many children born with SCD did not survive to adulthood. As a result, specialists (hematologists) adept at treating SCD only saw pediatric patients. Today, many patients living with SCD survive into middle age or beyond (cite); however, they are finding it difficult to access adequate health care. There aren’t enough specialists who treat adult SCD patients, and many primary physicians aren’t familiar with the complexities of treating the condition with confidence. As a result, may SCD patients frequent emergency rooms for episodic care – which presents its own set of challenges.

  • People with SCD experience longer wait times in the ER and triage.
  • People with SCD often have the receipt of pain medication delayed or denied by ER staff unfamiliar with them or their condition.
  • The biases (conscious or unconscious) and stereotypes of health care providers influence the care, or lack of care, provided to people with SCD.

The internet is full of stories of people who have SCD who have endured inadequate treatment in ERs. (For example – Being dismissed as drug-seekers.) ER staff and PCPs must do all they can to increase their awareness of SCD and provide culturally competent care for patients.

Patient Emergency Guidance: When to see the Doctor
It is very important that every person with SCD have a plan for how to get help immediately — at any hour — if there is a problem. Advise patients with SCD to go to an emergency room or urgent care facility IMMEDIATELY for:

  • Fever above 101°F
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Chest pain
  • Abdominal swelling
  • Severe headache
  • Sudden weakness or loss of feeling and movement
  • Seizure

Priapism – painful erection of the penis that lasts more than 4 hours

A doctor should be called right away for:

  • Pain anywhere in the body that will not go away with treatment at home
  • Any sudden problem with vision

To learn more about the management and treatment of SCD, please visit these helpful websites:

National Heart, Lunch, and Blood Institute (NHLBI):

Evidence-Based Management of Sickle Cell Disease: Expert Panel Report

 

American Society of Hematology (ASH) Sickle Cell Call to Action:

Advocacy: ASH sickle cell disease initiative

Sickle cell disease resources

 

Further Reading:

Key Study Findings: Are family physicians comfortable treating people with sickle cell disease?

The journal Anemia published a study that analyzed physician survey responses related to knowledge and attitudes toward care and treatment of patients with SCD. One thousand forty-two practicing physician members of the Council of Academic Family Medicine organizations submitted surveys. Only 1 in 5 surveyed physicians reported being comfortable treating patients with SCD.

Mainous AG, Tanner RJ, Harle CA, Baker R, Shokar NK, Hulihan MM. Attitudes toward Management of Sickle Cell Disease and Its Complications: A National Survey of Academic Family Physicians. Anemia. 2015;2015:1-6. doi:10.1155/2015/853835.

 

This article was written in conjunction with Supporters of Families with Sickle Cell Disease, Inc. (http://sicklecelloklahoma.org) – an Oklahoma family support nonprofit organization – contracted OHCA.

 

Sources

  1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sickle Cell Disease. cdc.gov/ncbddd/sicklecell. Accessed August 2, 2018.
  2. Hulihan, M. and Kaur, M. Sickle Cell Disease in the Emergency Department. https://www.hhs.gov/blog/2017/06/26/sickle-cell-disease-in-the-emergency-department.html. Accessed August 15, 2018.

 Back to top


New well-child guidelines

Doctor smiling at a child in examination room

Effective Oct. 1, 2018, the OHCA will use the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Bright Futures EPSDT Periodicity Schedule as its periodicity schedule. 

Bright Futures Guidelines provides a common framework for well-child care from birth to age 21.

This periodicity schedule reflects changes approved in February 2017 and published in April 2017. To learn more about the update, please visit www.aap.org/periodicityschedule.

Provider Checkup yellow section divider 1

Pharmacy

[Logo] Treating for Two - Safer Medication Use in Pregnancy

ADHD meds during pregnancy

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 9 in 10 women take some type of medication while pregnant and medication use during pregnancy is increasing over time. Safe and appropriate medication use during pregnancy is particularly important to SoonerCare members since they represent more than one-half of all deliveries in Oklahoma.

While the risks and benefits of any medication should be discussed with each patient, a recent study highlighted the specific risks associated with medications used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) during pregnancy. During the time from 1998 to 2011, the study found an increase in ADHD medication use by pregnant women and an increase in three specific birth defects. When ADHD medications are taken early in the pregnancy, there is an increased risk of these birth defects:

  • gastroschisis: intestines are found outside the baby’s body

Each year nearly half of all pregnancies are unplanned and ADHD medications represent the second most prescribed class of medications for SoonerCare members.1 Given these two contributing factors, ADHD medication use in females of reproductive age could result in early pregnancy exposure, a critical period for fetal development.

Providers are encouraged to utilize the Treating for Two program consisting of multimedia tools, infographics, podcasts, and key research findings. This CDC program will assist SoonerCare providers as they protect the health of women and babies by choosing the safest treatment options available.

 

References:

  1. Oklahoma Health Care Authority, DUR Board Packet, April 11, 2018. Holderread B. Available at https://www.okhca.org/about.aspx?id=490. Accessed August 10, 2018.

Back to top

Provider Checkup yellow section divider 1

Dental

OHCA Tribal Government Tribal Relations Director Dana Miller gives Riverside student dental supplies.

In this Friday, Aug. 24, 2018 photo, OHCA Tribal Government Relations Director Dana Miller gives Riverside student Alex Chasanah toothpaste and a toothbrush provided by sponsor Colgate Palmolive during the annual Riverside Indian School Health Fair, in Anadarko, Okla. This year, more than 500 students received health screenings and dental supplies. The annual health fair is put on by the Oklahoma Health Care Authority, Blue Cross Blue Shield, American Heart Association and Colgate Palmolive. Other partners involved in pulling the day together were the Southern Plains Health Board and the Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma.

Back to top


Honing in on dental hygiene

Portrait of an Afro-american girl brushing her teeth

Dental health affects one’s overall health. That’s why it’s important that health care providers encourage patients to practice good oral hygiene daily and visit their dentists regularly.

October is National Dental Hygiene Month. Be sure to start the conversation about the Daily 4 and what a difference brushing, flossing, rinsing and chewing can make for your patient’s oral health!

Remind parents and caretakers of children covered under SoonerCare that they have access to important dental services. This includes full exams, teeth cleanings, fillings for cavities, fluoride treatments, dental sealants and more.

Members can learn more about SoonerCare Dental and get helpful oral health tips at okhca.org/dental.  

Back to top

Provider Checkup yellow section divider 1

Electronic health records

Providers online on their laptop

Eligible professionals (EPs) and hospitals (EHs) who have not participated in the Electronic Health Record (EHR) Incentive Program prior to 2016 are no longer able to participate in the program. 

Any EH participating in the program must attest in consecutive years. Hospitals are no longer able to skip a year.

The completion date for Program Year 2018 was Aug. 31, 2018.  

Please note: For Program Year 2018, EPs and EHs may attest to a 90-day reporting period for Meaningful Use but are required to report on a full year for clinical quality measures, or CQMs. The only exception is for EPs in their first year of Meaningful Use. They cannot submit their 2018 attestation any earlier than Jan. 1, 2019.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding this program, please contact the EHR Incentive Team at EHRIncentive@okhca.org or by phone at 405-522-7347. You can also visit us online at okhca.org/ehr.

Back to top


Did you know?

A record number of kids participate in Medicaid/CHIP – 93.7 percent among eligible children in 2016. (Health Affairs, August 2018)

Group of children riding on merry-go-round in playground

Pasternik-Ikard selected for National Medicaid Leadership Institute

CEO Becky Pasternik-Ikard

Initiative will enhance the leadership capacity of Medicaid directors to deliver high-quality, cost-effective health care services.

Becky Pasternik-Ikard, Chief Executive Officer of the Oklahoma Health Care Authority (OHCA), is one of six Medicaid directors chosen to participate in the Medicaid Leadership Institute, a national initiative directed by the Center for Health Care Strategies (CHCS) and made possible by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF). The program offers a unique opportunity for Medicaid directors from states across the U.S. to develop the skills necessary to successfully lead and improve their essential state programs and impact key health outcomes in an ever-changing policy and financing environment.

Pasternik-Ikard was competitively selected to participate in the leadership development program along with five additional Medicaid directors: Idaho, Louisiana, Rhode Island, Texas, and Virginia.

Read more here.

Back to top


Bryant reappointed to OHCA Board

Ann Bryant, OHCA Board member

On August 3, Gov. Mary Fallin announced she has reappointed Ann Bryant to the Oklahoma Health Care Authority (OHCA) Board.

Bryant, of Enid, will serve a four-year term effective Sept. 2, and expiring Sept. 1, 2022. She serves on the board as a consumer member from the Third Congressional District.

Bryant has served on the OHCA Board since 2010. Fallin reappointed her in 2014.

The OHCA board directs the actions and oversees the operation of the Health Care Authority.  The seven board members are appointed by the governor, president pro tempore of the Senate, and the speaker of the House of Representatives.

Bryant is a member of the Garfield County Health Planning Coalition, and helped establish Enid’s Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner program. She currently services as president of the Oklahoma state chapter of P.E.O, a women’s philanthropic organization whose mission is to help women reach their educational goals.

She previously worked as a medical microbiologist at St. Mary’s Hospital in Enid, and at Smith Cline Laboratory in Waltham, Massachusetts.

She earned a bachelor of science degree in microbiology and clinical laboratory science from South Dakota State University and interned at Creighton Memorial Hospital in Omaha, Nebraska.

She had her husband, James Sears Bryant, have four grown children.

Back to top


OHCA staff among Oklahoma's Great Nurses

Left to right: Cherly Moore, Carolyn Reconnu-Shoffner, Pam Jackson and Marlene Asmussen

OHCA registered nurses Cheryl Moore (recently retired), Carolyn Reconnu-Shoffner, Pam Jackson and Marlene Asmussen attend the Great 100 Nurses Celebration of Oklahoma in Catoosa Monday, Sept. 10, 2018, as Moore, Jackson and Asmussen were honored. Reconnu-Shoffner was among three agency nurses honored in 2017. Read More here.


Make plans to give us your input!

Cover of the state fiscal year (SFY) 2018 - SFY 2022 OHCA Strategic Plan

The OHCA conducted an extensive Strategy Forum last year in order to get input from stakeholders as we developed our Strategic Plan for the next five years. The response from that Forum has been very helpful in guiding the future of OHCA. As we wrap up the first year of the Strategic Plan, the agency is reaching out for feedback from our stakeholders again. 

This time, OHCA will hold stakeholder meetings around the state to learn about their experiences with the current program. We also want to get input and ideas on how OHCA can best implement the Strategic Plan moving forward.

Who should attend?

The meetings are open to anyone interested in attending. This includes SoonerCare members, providers and representatives of organizations that assist and advocate for SoonerCare members. These public meetings will include an update on OHCA’s progress, but our main goal is to hear from stakeholders like you.

Where and when are the meetings?

There are seven meetings scheduled in late October and early November, as listed below. Complete details will post soon on the OHCA website - okhca.org.

10/24/18          OKC                           OHCA Boardroom                                                   

10/25/18          TO BE ANNOUNCED                   

10/26/18          Enid                           Northwestern Oklahoma State University       

10/29/18          Muskogee                  Muskogee Public Library 

11/01/18          Durant                       Choctaw Nation Headquarters

11/05/18          Tulsa                         James O. Goodwin Health Center

11/09/18          Lawton                      Comanche County Memorial Hospital

We will set up a registration soon for you to sign up to attend. A reservation is not required, but it will help us with our planning.

We hope to see you at a meeting in your area!

Back to top

Provider Checkup yellow section divider 2

Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline Offers Specialized Services

Talking to your patients about quitting tobacco can be difficult, but it’s important. Many patients face different challenges when trying to quit tobacco and the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline (OTH) offers specialized assistance for support.

Heatlh care provider encourages reluctant female patient

Pregnant Patients

When female smokers find out they are pregnant, they might come to their doctor for advice on their next steps.

Pregnant smokers tend to feel very nervous about quitting tobacco. Many want to quit for their baby’s health, but they often think it’s too late to quit or that their baby will suffer withdrawal symptoms. Advising them on the impact tobacco can have on their baby — and that quitting is the best option — can help your patients improve their health and their child’s health.

The OTH provides FREE, nonjudgmental support to help pregnant women quit their own way. They can speak to a Quit Coachâ„¢, who can help them through the process. Plus, they can utilize customizable services such as text, email and phone support. Patients may need additional approval from their doctor to receive nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs).

Mental Health Patients

Nearly half of all cigarettes produced are smoked by people with mental health problems. Some mental health providers and facilities may focus solely on treating the mental illness of their patients and not their tobacco use. However, patients are often interested in quitting. 

Research has shown that adult smokers with mental illness can still benefit from tobacco cessation treatments. OTH Quit Coaches are specially trained to help those struggling with tobacco use and mental health.

All Oklahomans

The OTH is available to all Oklahomans who want to quit tobacco. With free services — including free nicotine replacement therapies and 24/7 quit coaching — freedom from tobacco is just a phone call away. Call 1-800-QUIT NOW or visit OKhelpline.com.

Free promotional materials such as fact sheets, brochures and posters are available at OKhelpline.com. Providers can offer support in a quitting journey so patients know they have the encouragement to succeed.

Back to top


Provider Toolkit


OHCA Provider Helpline: 800-522-0114

Provider Resources

Web Alerts

Online Training

Order Publications

Statistics and Data

Newsletter Archive


Checkup Statement


Information contained within is subject to change. Be sure to check OHCA Provider Letters, Global Messages and Web Alerts at www.okhca.org for the most up-to-date information.


Appointment Reminders

 

September 20
Medical Advisory Committee (MAC) Meeting

October 10
Drug Utilization Review (DUR) Board Meeting

October 11
OHCA Board Meeting

October 16
Annual Tribal Consultation

View complete OHCA calendar here.

Provider Checkup yellow section divider 2

Oklahoma's health heroes to be honored September 27

Actress and author Jamie Lee Curtis

Award-winning actress and author Jamie Lee Curtis will serve as keynote speaker at the 2018 Champions of Health Gala, to be held at 6 p.m. on September 27, at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City.

The 15th annual Champions of Health Gala will honor individuals and organizations working to improve the health of Oklahomans through innovative and replicable programs. All proceeds from the event benefit The Oklahoma Caring Foundation, Inc., a 501(c)(3) organization that provides Oklahoma children with immunizations at no charge.

Curtis is known for her starring roles in such acclaimed films as "Freaky Friday," "True Lies," "Trading Places" and "A Fish Called Wanda." She is also an author of best-selling children’s books, having sold more than five million books under the banner "Books to Grow By."

Curtis is a recovering alcoholic and addict and has served on the Board of Directors for The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University, as well as The Scott Hitt Foundation. She has a deep and active connection to many children’s charities, and currently serves on the Board of Trustees at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. Curtis will meet Champions of Health honorees and share her health story at the Gala.

Champions of Health Logo

The Champions of Health awards program is presented by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma, in partnership with the Office of Secretary of Native American Affairs, the Oklahoma Association of Optometric Physicians, the Oklahoma Dental Association, the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, the Oklahoma Foundation for Medical Quality, the Oklahoma Health Care Authority, the Oklahoma Hospital Association, the Oklahoma Osteopathic Association, the Oklahoma Primary Care Association, the Oklahoma State Department of Health and the Oklahoma State Medical Association.

Please visit championsofhealth.org to learn more,

Back to top