Jillian Taylor
@jilliantaylor.bsky.social
StateImpact Oklahoma health reporter she/her, OU alumna
Ascension St. John Nowata has become a rural emergency hospital, losing inpatient services despite a months-long community battle to keep them. www.kgou.org/health/2026-...
Ascension St. John Nowata lost inpatient care. What happens next?
Hospital leadership says the new status allows the facility to “better align our resources with the healthcare needs of the community.” Nowata residents are grappling with how to move forward without…
kgou.org
For decades, Oklahoma community-based organizations have guided HIV prevention, receiving funding directly from the federal government. Now, the Trump administration is changing course, and those nonprofits may see less monetary support.
The Trump administration is shifting funding for HIV prevention. Vulnerable Oklahomans could suffer
For decades, community-based organizations have been on the front lines of providing HIV prevention, receiving funding directly from the federal government. Now, the Trump administration is changing c...
kosu.org
Ascension St. John is seeking federal approval to turn its Nowata hospital into a rural emergency facility, which would mean ending acute inpatient and swing-bed services. www.kgou.org/health/2026-...
Ascension St. John plans to end inpatient care at Nowata hospital. Residents are fighting back
Ascension St. John is seeking federal approval to turn its Nowata hospital into a rural emergency facility, which would mean ending acute inpatient and swing-bed services
kgou.org
An out-of-state anti-abortion group successfully lobbied to change Oklahoma law after it was rejected for public funding from a program that encourages women to keep their unplanned pregnancies.
Rejected for Oklahoma funding, an anti-abortion group helped rewrite state law
The Texas-based nonprofit Human Coalition lobbies for anti-abortion programs and gets millions of dollars in funding from other states.
readfrontier.org
A new federal designation for rural hospitals is growing in Oklahoma, offering a financial lifeline amid rising costs and lower volume. www.kgou.org/health/2026-...
Federal rural hospital program offers a lifeline in Oklahoma, but hurdles remain
Congress established the rural emergency hospital designation to provide financial stability to facilities amid growing concerns over closures. The goal is to maintain access to outpatient and…
kgou.org
Nearly six years ago, Oklahoma voters approved a state question to expand eligibility for Medicaid, also known as SoonerCare, to low-income adults. Now, state lawmakers want them to reconsider. www.kgou.org/health/2026-...
'We are dismayed': Oklahoma doctors, patients respond to potential Medicaid expansion changes
Nearly six years ago, Oklahoma voters approved a state question to expand eligibility for Medicaid, also known as SoonerCare, to low-income adults. Now, state lawmakers want them to reconsider.
kgou.org
Oklahoma lawmakers advanced legislation Monday that would send votes on Medicaid expansion and judicial selection to the August election. Some legislators want the measures on the ballot in November instead, when higher voter turnout is expected.
Oklahoma lawmakers push for special election on Medicaid expansion, judicial reform
Republican leadership said they want to avoid "ballot fatigue" by having voters consider these measures in August instead of the November general election.
kosu.org
Oklahoma senators passed two measures Tuesday that could pave the way for changes to voter-approved Medicaid expansion, but blocked efforts to put those changes on an August ballot.
Oklahoma lawmakers advance measures to change Medicaid expansion, block special election
Oklahoma senators passed two measures Tuesday that could pave the way for changes to voter-approved Medicaid expansion, but blocked efforts to put those changes on an August ballot.
kosu.org
Nearly 2,000 Oklahomans die from stroke-related complications annually. That burden is felt more in rural communities, but a telemedicine program from OU Health is helping connect stroke patients and specialists digitally.
Minutes matter in stroke cases. In rural Oklahoma, a telemedicine program is saving critical time
Nearly 2,000 Oklahomans die from stroke-related complications annually. That burden is felt more in rural communities, where access to specialized care is limited.
kosu.org
Rural long-term care facilities are generating more than $1.8 billion in economic activity across Oklahoma, according to a new study covering their impact. www.kgou.org/health/2026-...
Study finds rural long-term care facilities have over $1.8 billion economic impact in Oklahoma
The report was prepared by economist Dr. Russell Evans for Care Providers Oklahoma, which represents a portion of the state’s nearly 300 nursing homes.
kgou.org
A policy that would prevent the state from forcing crisis pregnancy centers to offer or recommend abortions, and allow those centers to sue those who violate the bill's provisions, passed the Oklahoma House floor Monday.
Oklahoma lawmakers advance bill with protections for anti-abortion crisis pregnancy centers
These centers, which are sometimes called pregnancy resource centers, are private nonprofits that promote childbirth and alternatives to abortion.
kosu.org
This year, nearly 50,000 fewer Oklahomans selected an Affordable Care Act Marketplace plan compared to last year. Amid rising costs, they're seeking cheaper options, even if they are not subject to regulations.
Oklahomans seek cheaper ways to pay for health care after ACA enhanced premium tax credits expire
Consumers are now navigating the consequences of this expiration with limited choices.
kosu.org
The Oklahoma Insurance Department announced its plans to transition to a state-based Marketplace for Affordable Care Act coverage for 2028 open enrollment. Currently, Oklahoma relies on the federal government for its marketplace.
Oklahoma Insurance Department to start state-based health insurance exchange
The Oklahoma Insurance Department announced its plans to transition to a state-based Marketplace for Affordable Care Act coverage for 2028 open enrollment.
kosu.org
The Oklahoma legislature is back in session for 2026, with thousands of bills up for consideration. StateImpact previews the measures on the table about health, education, science and the environment.
StateImpact Oklahoma previews the 2026 legislative session
The Oklahoma Legislature is back in session for 2026, with thousands of bills up for consideration. StateImpact Oklahoma focuses on health, education, science and the environment. Logan Layden talked ...
kosu.org
Congrats to the 2026 SHERFs: Ethan Bakuli, @sarawernst.bsky.social, @celllyg.bsky.social, Anika Nayak, @adrianaperez.bsky.social & @jilliantaylor.bsky.social! They will receive training and mentoring for reporting at the intersection of science, health & the environment. casw.org/news/meet-th...
Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt called for "adjustments" to Medicaid expansion during his State of the State address Monday. Health care leaders have expressed concerns, saying expansion is a worthy investment.
Gov. Stitt wants 'adjustments' to Oklahoma Medicaid expansion. Health care leaders are concerned
Gov. Kevin Stitt called on the legislature to send a question to voters that would allow for "adjustments" to Medicaid expansion during his State of the State address Monday.
kosu.org
A recent executive order from Gov. Kevin Stitt is seeking to review federal welfare programs administered by the state and to decrease Oklahomans' reliance on them through employment. Advocates say the plan fails to address the real challenges Oklahomans are facing. www.kgou.org/politics-and...
Gov. Stitt wants to revamp welfare programs. Some Oklahoma advocates are worried
A recent executive order from Gov. Kevin Stitt is seeking to review federal welfare programs administered by the state and to decrease Oklahomans' reliance on them through employment. Advocates say…
kgou.org
Following the expiration of enhanced premium tax credits under the Affordable Care Act, approximately 50,000 fewer Oklahomans signed up for ACA health insurance compared to last year. How have increases in ACA premiums impacted you? Tell us about it here: bit.ly/4pVEriX
How has the expiration of Affordable Care Act enhanced subsidies affected you?
According to federal data, approximately 50,000 fewer Oklahomans signed up for ACA health insurance compared to last year. This follows the expiration of enhanced premium tax credits. StateImpact Ok...
bit.ly
Oklahoma is one of six states picked to experiment with using AI to review Medicare claims. The goal is to reduce spending on certain treatments. That has some patients and providers worried. StateImpact Oklahoma reports:
As AI becomes part of traditional Medicare reviews, some Oklahomans worry they’ll lose out on care
The Wasteful and Inappropriate Service Reduction Model, or WISeR, is being tested in six states, including Oklahoma, starting this month.
kgou.org
Oklahoma's application for a five-year, $50 billion rural health fund secured the state over $223 million for 2026. The state received one of the highest investments nationally.
Oklahoma to receive $223 million for rural health care
The state received one of the highest Rural Health Transformation Program investments nationally, only ranking behind California, Montana, Alaska and Texas.
kosu.org
@louisenorris.bsky.social, health insurance analyst at healthinsurance.org, spoke with @jilliantaylor.bsky.social at StateImpactOK @npr.org, regarding what the latest House health care bill may mean for individuals and families nationwide:
What Oklahomans need to know about the federal fight over health care subsidies
Approximately 300,000 Oklahomans who rely on the ACA Marketplace for health insurance are being left in limbo as federal lawmakers scramble to address rising insurance premium costs, with enhanced pre...
kosu.org
A vote from the Oklahoma Health Care Authority board to approve an emergency rule related to Gov. Kevin Stitt’s recent anti-abortion executive order failed in a Monday special meeting. www.kgou.org/health/2025-...
Oklahoma Health Care Authority board members vote against abortion attestation emergency rule
Board members are seeking clarity on the executive order that encouraged the proposed rule.
kgou.org
Oklahoma lawmakers hosted an interim study Tuesday on the impacts of federal cuts to Medicaid that were signed into law in July. Providers expressed concern they may have to reduce services to balance their budgets. www.kosu.org/health/2025-...
Oklahoma lawmakers explore impacts of federal cuts to Medicaid in interim study
The conversation highlighted how the changes will impact Oklahoma's health care landscape, including hospital finances and patient access.
kosu.org
Oklahoma health care leaders estimate state hospitals will see billions in Medicaid reimbursement cuts as funding reductions made to the program through President Donald Trump's "One Big Beautiful Bill" set in.
‘Draconian’ cuts: What Trump’s megabill means for Oklahoma hospitals and Medicaid recipients
Oklahoma health care leaders estimate state hospitals will see $6.3 billion in Medicaid reimbursement cuts as funding reductions made to the program through President Donald Trump’s “One Big Beautiful...
kgou.org
We want to hear from parents and educators in rural Oklahoma concerned about the future of drama, music and visual arts in schools. www.readfrontier.org/stories/help...
Help us report on arts education at rural schools
We want to hear from parents and educators in rural Oklahoma concerned about the future of drama, music and visual arts in schools.
readfrontier.org
NEW: Anti-abortion activists are launching their own telehealth company—basically a virtual crisis pregnancy center—with the goal of becoming a household name as big as Planned Parenthood. Read more at the newsletter: jessica.substack.com/p/telehealth...
Telehealth Crisis Pregnancy Centers??
6.30.25
jessica.substack.com
The state of Oklahoma doesn't have a competitive bidding process for pregnancy centers, faith-based groups and nonprofits to get public money if they go through a grant-supervising entity like the Oklahoma Life Foundation. @readfrontier.bsky.social www.kosu.org/show/stateim...
This group is in charge of millions in state money to help pregnant women after Oklahoma banned abortion
There's no competitive bidding process through the state for pregnancy resource centers, faith-based groups and other nonprofits to get public money if they go through an organization like the Oklahom...
kosu.org
Indigenous health experts and providers say despite their outreach, people can fall through the cracks for several reasons. @pubhealthwatch.bsky.social
More than a fifth of Indigenous Oklahomans are uninsured. The price they pay can be steep
Indigenous health experts and providers say despite their outreach, people can fall through the cracks for several reasons.
kosu.org
A new group hopes to inform Oklahomans on the continued impacts of the state's near-total abortion ban. Using a combination of large events and intimate conversations, repro46 aims to start dialogue that has a "ripple effect." www.kosu.org/show/stateim...
How one group is educating Oklahomans on reproductive health care amid state abortion ban
A new group hopes to educate Oklahomans on the continued impacts of the state's near-total abortion ban.
kosu.org
The Trump administration is withholding tens of millions in family planning money from Planned Parenthood and other providers. But StateImpact Oklahoma confirmed the Oklahoma State Department of Health received an award of $1.96 million in Title X funding. www.kosu.org/health/2025-...
Trump administration freezes federal family planning money in Oklahoma, provides dollars to OSDH
The Trump administration is withholding tens of millions in federal family planning money, impacting organizations in Oklahoma as of Tuesday.
kosu.org