Effective May 1, 2026, Oklahoma is targeting a transition to a State-based Exchange on the Federal Platform (SBE-FP), and is scheduled to go live with a full State-based Exchange (SBE) on November 1, 2027 for the 2028 Open Enrollment Period, according to a Special Notice dated February 10, 2026 from Glen Mulready, Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner at the Oklahoma Insurance Department (OID).
The same notice says OID is planning to pursue a Section 1332 State Innovation Waiver to create a state reinsurance program starting in the 2028 coverage year; however, the notice does not specify an effective date for the waiver approval process itself, nor any further implementation timeline beyond the stated intent and target coverage year for reinsurance.
The OID states there are no immediate changes to how consumers shop for or enroll in coverage for plan years 2026 and 2027, with consumers continuing to use HealthCare.gov in those years, even as Oklahoma begins assuming responsibility “behind the scenes” for key Exchange functions as an SBE-FP, including public engagement and awareness, community assister programs, health plan management, and consumer hotline support. For insurance professionals operating in Oklahoma, the notice indicates that “ownership of various program activities is transitioning” from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to the Oklahoma Insurance Department, including user fee collection, health plan management, community assister programs, marketing, and hotline support.
It also states that beginning in Spring 2026, consumers will be able to use a tool on OID’s website to look for local help navigating enrollment, and that under a full SBE Oklahoma would manage all Exchange operations, including the eligibility and enrollment system, contact center, and an agent certification program, while continuing the functions it performs as an SBE-FP.
