Close the rural health gap

We work to advance practical policies that put providers in rural towns and keep care affordable and within reach.

Your Issues,
Our Priorities

Test & Treat

ROAC supports expanding test and treat authority for pharmacists so Oklahomans in small towns can get timely care for common conditions like strep or flu without traveling hours to see a doctor. Allowing pharmacists to diagnose and prescribe within their expertise empowers local professionals, saves patients time, and keeps care close to home. ROAC believes pharmacists are trusted front-line providers who can help close rural access gaps.

Independent Practice for PAs & NPs

Rural communities rely heavily on physician assistants and nurse practitioners to fill gaps in care. ROAC advocates for granting these providers independent practice authority, allowing them to use their full training without unnecessary supervision requirements. This reform would expand access, reduce wait times, and make it easier for advanced practitioners to serve in the rural clinics that need them most.

Any Willing Provider

ROAC supports an any willing provider policy—ensuring that rural practitioners who meet standards can participate in managed care and SoonerCare networks. Patients should be able to see the provider of their choice, and qualified professionals should not be excluded simply for practicing in smaller towns.

Fair Reimbursement

Too often, rural providers are reimbursed at lower rates despite facing higher overhead and limited patient volume. ROAC pushes for fair reimbursement within Oklahoma’s managed care and SoonerCare systems to keep rural clinics and hospitals financially sustainable and able to recruit new providers.

Telemedicine & Mail-Order Access

Telehealth and mail-order prescriptions have become lifelines for many rural residents. ROAC supports policies that keep these services affordable and available, ensuring that no patient loses access due to broadband gaps or restrictive insurance policies. Technology should enhance, not replace, the human connections that define rural care.