08/01/2007
Strickland approves final version of budget, includes full adult dental Medicaid funding

Keith Kerns, Esq.
Staff contributor

Governor Ted Strickland recently signed into law House Bill 119, the state operating budget for fiscal years 2008 and 2009. The budget bill includes funding for the full restoration of the dental Medicaid program, a high priority for the Ohio Dental Association and its members.

"Our top legislative priority this year was the restoration of the dental Medicaid program," said Dr. H. Sam Fick, ODA president. "We are very grateful to Governor Strickland, Speaker Husted, Senate president Harris and other members of the General Assembly for their actions in fully restoring the dental Medicaid program. A strong dental Medicaid program is the key to improving access to dental care in Ohio."

In 2003 and 2005, then-Ohio Governor Bob Taft proposed eliminating the dental Medicaid program for adult recipients. Advocacy efforts of the ODA and other interested parties thwarted Taft's proposals each year. However, in 2005, the dental Medicaid program did suffer a funding reduction which led to a decrease in reimbursement levels and the elimination of several key services, including most oral surgery procedures.

Governor Strickland reversed the previous administration's position on dental Medicaid funding due, in large part, to the advocacy effort of the ODA. ODA leaders and lobbyists worked with Strickland during his campaign and throughout his transition into office. As a result, Strickland's proposed budget, introduced in March, called for the full restoration of reimbursement levels and services for the dental Medicaid program.

Members of the General Assembly supported the Governor's dental Medicaid proposal throughout the budget process. Both the House of Representatives and Senate versions of the budget also included full funding for the program.

"The ODA and its member dentists have invested countless resources into the defense of the state's dental Medicaid program in recent years," said David J. Owsiany, JD, ODA executive director. "It is so gratifying to see that investment pay off. All dentists, patients and other interested parties who took the time to advocate for this important issue are to be commended for their efforts."

The Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services (ODJFS), which oversees the dental Medicaid program, has already begun the process of changing program specifics to reflect the full funding allocated in the budget. The ODA has submitted recommendations to the ODJFS and ODA representatives will continue to work closely with department officials to ensure that changes are accurate and timely.

Full Medicaid coverage will become effective January 1, 2008.

According to a July ODJFS newsletter, the 2008-2009 state budget will also help finance ODJFS efforts to work with Ohio counties in expediting the enrollment of Medicaid patients into Medicaid managed care plans. The outcome of this initiative is to enroll patients into Medicaid managed care plans 45 days sooner than the current system allows.