NEWS RELEASE
Apr 18, 2000

Engler Announces Healthy Kids Dental
Partnership with Delta Dental to serve 50,000 Medicaid beneficiaries

 

Governor today announced that the state has entered into an agreement with Delta Dental Plan of Michigan to administer a new dental program for Medicaid beneficiaries under age 21 called "Healthy Kids Dental."

"This program will make dental care available to Michigans more vulnerable, younger citizens," said Engler. "This publicÓprivate partnership is an important step towards eliminating the disparities in access to oral health care and will serve 50,000 children and young adults in need."

The Healthy Kids Dental pilot project will operate in 22 Michigan counties and will promote better access to dental care for Medicaid beneficiaries through the use of Delta Dentals participating dentist networks. Healthy Kids Dental covers xÓrays, teeth cleaning, cavity fillings, root canals, tooth extractions and dentures.

"Good oral health is an important part of overall health," said C. Richard Seitz, President and CEO of Delta Dental Plan of Michigan. "We are very pleased to be working with the State of Michigan to make needed dental care available to more young people."

Beginning May 1, the program will serve approximately 50,000 Medicaid beneficiaries under age 21 Alger, Arenac, Barry, Cheboygan, Clinton, Dickinson, Eaton, Emmet, Gladwin, Hillsdale, Huron, Ionia, Iosco, Isabella, Lapeer, Lenawee, Livingston, Luce, Monroe, St. Clair, Sanilac and Tuscola counties.

Funding of $5.7 million has been appropriated for these services to be used through the current fiscal year and through fiscal year 2001. The agreement calls for Delta Dental to administer the Medicaid dental benefits in accordance with their standard procedures, claim form and payment mechanisms.

Delta Dental Plan of Michigan is a nonprofit service corporation that administers group dental benefit programs for more than three million people in the state. Its headquarters is in Okemos with branch offices in Farmington Hills and Grand Rapids.

The partnership with Delta Dental follows the recent announcement from the Department of Community Health of $5.16 million in dental health funding for Medicaid beneficiaries. The previously announced grants will improve access to quality dental care for Medicaid beneficiaries and enable 90,000 Medicaid beneficiaries to receive oral health services.