In addition, Oklahoma's counselors do not approve placements unless the customers are satisfied on the job. This is a further incentive for the provider to make a quality job match. The data suggests that selecting clients who were likely to succeed did not have to occur. Oklahoma has a two tier reimbursement system to prevent the screening of more difficult customers from services. Programs use a bidding process to calculate the risk faced in serving individuals with significant challenges.
Payment is made based on the bid and amount of risk that the program anticipates.
While not intentional, there may be no incentive for a program to critically analyze services and determine how to quickly and most effectively assist a person in being successfully employed. In other words, it is more economical for the program to maintain the customer's dependence than to promote independence. Results-based funding can help to resolve this paradox by tying payment to successful employment outcomes. The survey conducted on Oklahoma's MPS indicated that job coaches reported having more time with customers, not less. Less emphasis on documentation and regulation has the potential for more cost efficient and effective service delivery.