The Oklahoma Health Care Authority (OHCA) is seeing a surge of success stories from its Living Choice program, a Medicaid‑funded initiative that assists seniors and adults with physical disabilities in transitioning from institutional nursing homes to independent community living.
Program goals and eligibility
Living Choice targets Oklahoma residents age 65 and older, as well as younger adults who qualify for Medicaid and have documented physical disabilities. By providing a grant‑based support structure, the program helps participants secure housing, obtain personal care services and connect with local resources that enable them to live more autonomously.
First‑hand accounts
Linda Mahan, a recent participant, described the impact in her own words: “I have never been happier in my life. It gave me hope; it brought me back to where I was fighting to stay alive.” Mahan’s testimony reflects the broader sentiment of thousands of Oklahomans who have moved into new communities through Living Choice.
David Ward, senior director of the Medicaid Long‑Term Support Unit, emphasized the program’s core values: “It gets folks dignity. It gives them the autonomy for improved quality of life, to do more in the community so they don’t feel bound to any regimen or schedule. They can just do whatever they want with family and friends.”
Community benefits
Beyond individual well‑being, the program eases pressure on nursing home capacity and reduces long‑term care costs for the state. By shifting eligible residents into community‑based settings, OHCA can allocate resources more efficiently while preserving the family connections that are vital to traditional family structures.
Funding and future outlook
Living Choice operates as a grant program, meaning it has a defined start and end date. Ward noted, “It’s the most rewarding program I’ve ever been a part of. It’s a grant so it has a start and a stop, but we are strongly advocating for it to continue through our federal program.” As the holiday season approaches, OHCA is preparing to assist even more seniors and disabled adults in making the transition.
The program’s support network extends from senior leadership at OHCA down to on‑the‑ground staff, creating a sense of community that participants describe as “friends, family.” This collaborative approach aligns with the state’s commitment to uphold the dignity of its most vulnerable citizens.
Looking ahead
Stakeholders are urging state legislators to secure ongoing federal funding, ensuring that Living Choice can expand its reach. With continued backing, the program promises to strengthen Oklahoma’s tradition of caring for families and honoring the role of faith‑based community support in public life.
Original reporting: Oklahoma City News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
