2004 Recipient Mike Fogarty, M.S.W., J.D., is the Chief Executive Officer of the Oklahoma Health Care Authority (OHCA). The agency administers the Oklahoma Medicaid and State Child Health Insurance Programs with an annual budget of $2.6 billion. Joining OHCA in 1995 as State Medicaid Director and Chief Operating Officer, his public service career began in 1971 as a social worker for the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (ODHS). Mike left state government in 1979 to join the legislative staff of the newly elected U.S. Senator David Boren. While on Senator Boren’s Washington, D.C. staff, he had responsibility for U.S. Senate Finance Committee matters including Medicaid, Medicare, and other social and medical programs authorized by the Social Security Act. Upon his return to Oklahoma, Mike rejoined ODHS as the agency’s Deputy Director and also served as the Assistant Director for Medical Services. For eight years, beginning in 1987, Mike practiced law and operated long-term health care facilities in Oklahoma. During this time, he remained involved in public service through volunteer community activities, including an elected term on the Oklahoma City Public Schools’ Board of Education. Under his leadership, the OHCA has expanded medical coverage for children, pregnant women, disabled and elderly adults. Oklahoma’s SoonerCare demonstration project has placed a greater emphasis on prevention and early intervention, established a “medical home” for all beneficiaries, associating them with primary care physicians, physician assistants, or advanced practice nurses statewide. Oklahoma is one of eight grantees receiving a federal grant for the purpose of development of plans that offer affordable health insurance to uninsured citizens. Mike earned a bachelor’s degree from Oklahoma Baptist University,
a Master of Social Work from the University of Oklahoma, and a Juris
Doctorate from Oklahoma City University. He and his wife, Billie,
reside in Oklahoma City.
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