04/02/2007
Strickland recommends full restoration of adult dental Medicaid

ODA staff

On March 14, Governor Ted Strickland announced that his budget proposal for the next two years will include funding for the complete restoration of the entire Medicaid adult dental program to the levels that existed prior to the last administration's cuts. If adopted, the proposed budget will restore all of the services that were eliminated and reverse the fee reductions.

"We applaud Governor Strickland's foresight in reinstating full funding for Medicaid adult dental benefit," said David J. Owsiany, J.D., ODA executive director. "The Governor wisely realizes that the Medicaid dental program is an efficient, effective use of state dollars, as oral health is critical to overall health. By providing coverage for dental services, Medicaid will ensure Ohio's most vulnerable patients are being treated in the most cost-effective setting – the dental office – instead of costlier settings like hospital emergency rooms."

Governor Strickland is also exploring the possibility of making the restoration of the dental program effective immediately via administrative rule change. The ODA has also been informed that Medicaid intends to develop its administrative rules to mirror the former dental Medicaid handbook which should alleviate certain Medicaid bundling practices that dentists have experienced.

The governor's proposal is welcome news for Ohio's Medicaid recipients and providers. The ODA worked extensively with Strickland during his campaign and the transition to his office position. Throughout the process, the ODA stressed the importance and cost-effectiveness of the dental Medicaid program and the ODA's leadership is pleased that Strickland has made dental Medicaid a priority in what is a very tight state budget.

The governor's budget proposal will now be considered by the Ohio General Assembly. A final budget must be presented back to the governor for his signature by the end of June.

The ODA will continue to work to protect the restoration of Medicaid as the budget is considered by the state legislature.

"I would like to thank our members for their continued support of ODPAC and our grassroots advocacy," said Dr. H. Sam Fick, ODA president. "The solidarity of our members has led, time and time again, to successful outcomes in the legislative arena. We will continue to serve our members and fight for the issues that are of the utmost importance to our livelihoods, our office and most importantly, the patients we serve."

Members interested in joining ODA advocacy efforts to protect dental Medicaid funding are encouraged to attend the 2007 ODA Day at the Statehouse on April 25.

For more information about the event, log onto the ODA Web site at www.oda.org/Membersonly/statehouse.cfm or call Jennifer Reitz, government affairs assistant at the ODA at (800) 282-1526.