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Senate committee advances Clayton Bullard to lead Oklahoma Health Care Authority after questioning on managed-care oversight
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Summary
The Senate Health and Human Services Committee advanced Clayton Bullard’s nominations as cabinet secretary and administrator of the Oklahoma Health Care Authority, following detailed questioning about Medicaid managed-care oversight, provider payments and an abbreviated transition period for the agency.
The Oklahoma Senate Health and Human Services Committee voted to advance Clayton Bullard’s nominations to serve as cabinet secretary for health and mental health and as administrator of the Oklahoma Health Care Authority (HCA) after a confirmation hearing that focused on Medicaid managed-care oversight and agency stability.
Bullard told the committee he accepted the roles to stabilize the agency and to prepare a balanced budget the HCA must deliver by the end of the fiscal year. He said he will review contracts and managed-care organization (MCO) performance, calling for careful scrutiny of spending and contracts: “every penny under every couch is worth grabbing and looking for,” Bullard said.
Members pressed Bullard on provider complaints and payment timeliness. Bullard said the HCA is roughly seven months into a value-based managed-care rollout and reported that MCOs pay about 98.6% of clean provider claims within 14 days; pharmacy claims are paid about 99.7% within 14 days. He noted that contracts require 100% payment within 14 days and said the agency issues quarterly fines when contractors fall short.
Chair and committee members also discussed the agency’s recent budget request and appropriations: Bullard acknowledged the administration requested $500 million, and the eventual appropriation was $250 million. He said his immediate priority is to stabilize operations for the remainder of the governor’s term and to prepare the HCA for the incoming administration, focusing on contractor reviews and program continuity for the agency’s roughly 1,000,000 members.
Supporters urged the committee to confirm Bullard, citing his willingness to step into a short, high-pressure term and his focus on data-driven decision-making. Senator Pugh, who carried the nomination, said Bullard provided detailed budget conversations and pledged cooperation with the Legislature on policy changes.
The committee first approved Bullard’s nomination as cabinet secretary (voice vote recorded at 10 ayes, 0 nays), then advanced his nomination as HCA administrator by roll call (recorded as 11 ayes, 0 nays). Both nominations will proceed to the full Senate.
What’s next: The full Senate will consider both confirmations. Bullard told the committee he will present a balanced budget to the HCA board as required and continue oversight of MCO performance during the transition period.
