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Recent update on Washington Apple Health Dental Coverage

WA Apple Health Dental Update Presentation 2016.03

On March 9, 2016, Pierce County Oral Health Coalition members and others convened to gain insight and updates on Washington State’s Apple Health (Medicaid) dental coverage for children and adults. In her presentation, Dianne Baum, Dental Program Administrator for Washington Apple Health shared: status and scope of dental benefits provided to our state’s residents who qualify for Apple Health benefits, state-wide Apple Health dental provider statistics, and important information on state provider audit programs and potential audit criteria and triggers.

Providers are responsible for checking the HCA website for updates. Washington’s Apple Health Dental Billing Guides are updated quarterly: January, April, July and October. There is a separate guide for the Access to Baby and Child Dentistry (“ABCD”) program. Ms. Baum suggested signing up for “go-delivery” e-mails and visiting the Dental webpage.

An engaging question and answer session followed the presentation, focused primarily on preauthorization of dental services and other claims handling issues. Ms. Baum’s presentation included helpful links and contact information for providers. Apple Health clients will also find valuable information about their benefits on HCA’s “For Clients” page, including a current summary of adult dental benefits.

This was incredibly helpful and specific information for dental billers, and nice to have additional Health Care Authority Apple Health resource information,” remarked one participant.

Presentation Handouts:

 

Free dental services at March 2015 Project Homeless Connect

Project Homeless Connect returns to the Washington State Fairgrounds, Puyallup  on Tuesday, March 31, 2015. As in the past, the Pierce County Dental Society, along with other Pierce County Oral Health Coalition partners, will provide much needed dental assessments and treatment triage.

Doors open 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM.

PCOHC members interested in helping in the dental area should email pcds@pcdentists.org.

For more information and to share with the community as appropriate, click here for the event flyer: PHC_Flyer_March_2015_WA Fair Grounds

January 2015 Project Homeless Connect focuses on youth

On Saturday, January 24, 2015 Project Homeless Connect will uniquely focus on providing preventive, supportive and empowering services to Pierce County youth and families with youth. Pierce County Dental Society, in partnership with its dentists and other PCOHC members will work together to provide free and much-needed dental services

Other community partners will be on hand to offer medical services, insurance information, ID replacement, haircuts, resume writing and college information (college representatives will be present). Also available: give-aways, Zumba, face painting, childcare. The event takes place at Spanaway Middle School, 15701 B Street E, Spanaway, WA,10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

Interested in volunteering in the dental services area? Contact Cheryl Jenkins at pcds@pcdentists.org. All other event questions may be directed to alanna@southsoundoutreach.org or 253-593-2111 extension 121.

Spread the word: Project Homeless Connect HYPED Flyer

 

Oral health coverage and health care reform

The Pierce County Oral Health Coalition is proud to organize a presentation on Feb. 12, on oral health coverage issues and health care reform. Continuing education (CE) credits are available.

  • Restoration of adult dental Medicaid benefits in Washington State.  Presentation by Dianne Baum, Dental Program Administrator, Washington Health Care Authority, 1-2 p.m.
  • Pediatric dental benefits on the Washington Health Benefit Exchange (HBE). Presentation by Christine Gibert, HBE Senior Policy Analyst, 2-3 p.m.

The first presentation by Baum begins at 1 p.m., followed by Gibert at 2 p.m. Both presentations will take place at Evergreen State College-Tacoma Campus, located at 1201 6th Street, Tacoma, WA 98405. For a map, please go here.

The event is recommended for oral health professionals and providers and individuals and groups who work with populations who may eligible for these new benefits made possible through health care reform at the state and federal level.

Lunch will be provided; please RSVP by Feb. 6 at pcohc@pcdentists.org, or use our contact page.  Space may be limited. A copy of the flyer for the event can be found here.

Note: Gibert’s presentation was recently confirmed, and those who have already sent an RSVP for Baum’s presentation do not need to reply again.

Pierce County dentists recognized as early learning champions

Dr. Lisa Block and Dr. Mark Kadoshima holding awards given by First 5 FUNdamentals for their work as early learning champions.

Dr. Lisa Block and Dr. Mark Kadoshima hold awards given by First Five  FUNdamentals for their work as early learning champions.

Congratulations to Pierce County dentists Dr. Lisa Block (Harbor Kids Teeth) and Dr. Mark Kadoshima (Light Touch Dental) for being named Pierce County “Early Learning Champions.”

The pair were chosen because of their leadership as Access to Baby & Child Dentistry (ABCD) champions, providers, and educators. The Pierce County early learning consortium First Five FUNdamentals presented the dentists with this award at the December 2013 ABCD community meeting. Read more …