A majority of the SoonerCare population now has access to a long-term benefit to help lower the cost of broadband service.

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a federal program administered by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that helps low-income households pay for internet service and connected devices like a laptop or tablet.

A household is eligible for the program if the household income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level. More than 85% of SoonerCare members are below that level.

Kevin Corbett, CEO of the Oklahoma Health Care Authority, says costs should not be a barrier to getting online. “Being connected can help Oklahomans get access to resources beneficial to their health as well as telehealth services, saving time and transportation costs.”

For those Oklahomans receiving SoonerCare benefits, the ACP comes at a much-needed time.

“Our country is facing an envelope shortage, which could affect how OHCA primarily communicates to members,” said Corbett. “Forty-six percent of households receiving SoonerCare benefits opt-in to receive email. This means a large group of members still receive their information through the mail.”

The ACP will help SoonerCare members, who have not been able to afford broadband service, afford Internet so they can sign up to receive email notifications regarding their benefits. On average 350,000 letters are mailed monthly by OHCA to SoonerCare members.

“We are preparing notices to mail to those members affected by the end of the nation’s Public Health Emergency,” said Traylor Rains, State Medicaid Director. “We need people to opt-in to receiving electronic notifications, so we can save envelopes for those who will need that specific notification.”

The Affordable Connectivity Program provides:

• Up to $30/month discount for broadband service;
• Up to $75/month discount for households on qualifying Tribal lands; and
• A one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet purchased through a participating provider if the household contributes more than $10 but less than $50 toward the purchase price.

The ACP is limited to one monthly service discount and one device discount per household. Some providers may have an alternative application they will ask Oklahomans to complete.