Gov. Jennifer Granholm on Sept. 30 signed a series of budget bills, which include restoration of adult dental Medicaid.
Under the $14 billion Department of Community Health budget, adult dental coverage has been restored along with podiatry and vision care for Medicaid patients in Michigan. Funding for the restoration of dental services — a key goal of the MDA — was made possible thanks to federal stimulus dollars. The stimulus money also allowed the state to avoid a projected $50 million cut in mental health services and further cuts in Medicaid reimbursement. Since adult dental Medicaid services were eliminated last year, the MDA has made restoration of funding a top priority. The MDA legislative team and MDA leaders have worked closely with legislators to reinforce the importance of dental care for adults as well as children.
Rules from the Department of Community Health will be forthcoming. Watch the MDA website for updates when they become available.
For links to your Annual Session Continuing Education certificate, as well as your course handouts and Annual Session survey, visit the Dental Professionals section of smilemichigan.com.
Michigan dentists participate in a variety of state and community programs that offer low-cost or free dental services to individuals in need. These programs offer help to seniors, low-income individuals, patients on Medicaid, disabled, handicapped or institutionalized individuals, children, and others.
For additional information on the access to care issue, read the report, “A United Voice for Oral Health,” issued by Michigan Access to Oral Health Care Work Group. It reflects the thinking of the broadest group yet assembled to tackle the access problem. Community Dental Programs
United Voice for Oral Health
Public | Dental Professionals | MDA Services | MDA Insurance | FoundationSmile Michigan® is a registered service mark of the Michigan Dental Association
Copyright © 2012 Michigan Dental Association | Contact Us