Oklahoma Releases Draft 1332 State Innovation Waiver for Public Comment

For Immediate Release:
October 8, 2026

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma Insurance Department intends to submit an Affordable Care Act (ACA) Section 1332 State Innovation Waiver application to the federal government this fall seeking approval to implement a reinsurance program in the individual market starting January 1, 2028. The draft waiver has been released for public review and comment.

Since the beginning of the ACA, Oklahoma’s individual health insurance market has experienced significant instability. Today, declining enrollment, high premiums, and limited insurance company participation across the State continue to undermine access to affordable coverage. The goals of the 1332 waiver are to improve affordability, increase competition, and expand access to healthcare coverage for residents across the State, particularly in high-cost regions with limited issuer participation. The reinsurance program is projected to reduce premiums between 4.1 and 6.4% statewide, with reductions up to 14.6% in high-cost regions of the state.

“Submitting Oklahoma’s 1332 waiver application is an important step toward making health insurance more affordable for Oklahoma families,” Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready said. “Oklahomans continue to feel the pressure of rising health care costs, and we have an obligation to pursue every responsible tool available to help bring premiums down. This waiver gives Oklahoma an opportunity to develop solutions tailored to our state rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach. Our goal is straightforward: create greater stability in the individual market, lower costs for consumers and build a stronger, more sustainable health insurance market for Oklahoma.”

More information is available on the Oklahoma Insurance Department’s website at https://www.oid.ok.gov/ohim-marketplace-information/

Public Comment Period

The State is accepting written comments on the draft waiver through October 31, 2026. Comments may be submitted through email at 1332waiver@oid.ok.gov. Comments may also be mailed to the following address and must be received by October 31, 2026:

Public Hearings

The State is hosting two public hearings and a hearing for members of Oklahoma’s Tribal Nations to provide an overview of the waiver and receive comments from the public. All hearings will be held at the Oklahoma Health Care Authority (4345 N. Lincoln Blvd., Oklahoma City, OK 73105) with virtual attendance options available.

• Public Hearing #1: October 13, 2026, at 2:00 PM CT
• Public Hearing #2: October 14, 2026, at 11:00 AM CT
• Tribal Nations Hearing: October 22, 2026, at 10:00 AM CT

Registration information is available on the Oklahoma Insurance Department’s website: https://www.oid.ok.gov/ohim-marketplace-information/.

Media questions or comments should be directed to
Chief of Communications, Liz Heigle
Liz.Heigle@oid.ok.gov | (405) 819-2221