NEWS RELEASE
February 18, 2000

Dental Association's Medicaid Criticism Premature

The Michigan Dental Association's (MDA) criticism of Michigan's Medicaid dental program is premature, Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) Director James K. Haveman, Jr. said today. "It's an odd time for the MDA to complain that dentists aren't making enough money," Haveman said. "The Legislature has nearly doubled Medicaid spending on dental care over the past two years. We also have new programs coming on line this year. These new approaches need to be thoroughly assessed before anyone suggests we start over."

The Michigan Medicaid program funds an estimated $65 million in dental care for this fiscal year. "This includes $7 million in new funding that was added in last year's appropriation and another $1.9 million in a four percent increase for dental providers this year," Haveman said. "The Legislature also added $20 million to expand capacity for children's dental care this year."

Ten million dollars in pilot projects to work with private dental insurers and pay competitive dental rates will be announced for 22 Michigan counties in early March.

Grants that total another $10 million will be awarded to local health departments, federally qualified health clinics and other public dental clinics in collaboration with dental schools at the University of Michigan and Wayne State University.

"We have also made significant administrative improvements over the past year to make it much easier for dentists to use the Medicaid program for their patients who can't afford the full cost of care," Haveman said. MDCH will also implement a standard claim form for Medicaid dental reimbursement, another enhancement for dental providers.

"We are committed to improved access to quality dental care for Medicaid participants," Haveman said. "I invite MDA members to be a part of the solution."