06/01/2007
Continued ODA grassroots effort successful in keeping adult dental Medicaid in Ohio budget

ODA staff

On April 25, more than 100 ODA members traveled to Columbus to speak with legislators on behalf of the profession. The gathering was part of the ODA's Day at the Statehouse event, an annual grassroots initiative. Once again, the day proved to be successful for the ODA, its member dentists and patients across the state.

In March, Governor Ted Strickland announced that his budget proposal for the next two years included funding for the complete restoration, and full funding, of the entire adult dental Medicaid program to the levels that existed prior to the last administration's cuts. However, the Governor's proposed budget must still be considered and approved by the General Assembly.

Retention of the Governor's adult dental Medicaid funding proposal was a top issue for Day at the Statehouse attendees. In the week following the ODA's Day at the Statehouse event, the Ohio House of Representatives unanimously approved a budget, which included full funding for dental Medicaid.

"I am proud of our members for taking the initiative to meet with our state legislators," said H. Sam Fick, ODA president. "Our efforts in maintaining communication with Governor Strickland even before his election has helped the association hammer home our priorities. Adult dental Medicaid is vital to the health of the Ohio population as dental care is the number one unmet health care need in Ohio."

The ODA Day at the Statehouse began with a short briefing, followed by a catered lunch for ODA members and legislators. Afterwards, members made personal visits to legislators' offices to discuss issues one on one.

The budget is next scheduled for a stop at the state Senate for approval. The Ohio Dental Association will continue its lobbying efforts to ensure that adult dental Medicaid funding is retained in the budget.

For questions, contact the ODA department of government affairs at (800) 282-1526.