The Michigan Oral Health Coalition (MOHC) works to create a large, interconnected network of national, state and local advocates dedicated to working collaboratively on advocacy, education and awareness of oral health. We strive to keep our members informed on topics relevant to today's oral health advocates. The mission of MOHC is to equitably optimize oral health for all Michiganders.

State Budget Update 

House Issues Proposed FY 26 Budget

On Tuesday, August 26, the Republican-led House of Representatives convened for session and quickly presented and passed their General Omnibus recommendations for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 (FY 26). The bill passed 59-45 with Representative Karen Whitsett (D-Detroit) voting with the Republican majority.

As expected, the House recommendations issued a budget that cuts programs across almost all state departments. House Bill 4706 totals $54.6 billion ($12.09 billion General Fund). Coupled with the School Aid recommendations made by the House in the spring, the total appropriations recommendation for FY 26 sits at $79 billion. In comparison, the Governor’s proposal totaled $83.5 billion while the Senate proposal came out to $84.6 billion. The proposed budget makes cuts to all but five spending areas: The Legislature, Executive Office, Office of Auditor General, Department of Military and Veterans Affairs and Department of Transportation.

Overall, the House recommendations cut Medicaid spending by $3.7 billion, while the Public Health portion was cut by $92.5 million and Human Services portion was cut by approximately $1 billion. 

Within the cuts to Medicaid, the Adult Dental program saw a cut of $21 million ($8.5 GF/GP) and saw the inclusion of a new boilerplate. Sec. 1627 states that “the department shall review services provided under the adult dental program and reduce those services to align with appropriations for both managed care and fee-for-service. Service reductions may include, but are not limited to, providing for 1 cleaning in a 12-month period.”

Additionally, the House proposed budget removed the Dental Services Reimbursement Increase (Sec. 1628), which allocated $3 million to continue the Medicaid reimbursement rate increase for dental services for ambulatory surgery centers and outpatient hospitals. The populations served within these facilities are mostly children, individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and those needing extensive dental care under sedation.

At this time, we do not expect the House’s recommendation to be the final FY 26 budget. However, a budget that makes cuts and changes as drastic as this one will complicate the negotiation process as the House, Senate, and Governor’s Office aim to find a solution for road funding.

Call to Action

As we approach the October 1 start to the fiscal year, we are calling on MOHC members to reach out to your lawmakers and urge them to protect the Adult Medicaid Dental program by fully funding the program and not cutting services that can be provided to some of Michigan’s most vulnerable residents. Click here for a comparative list of budget recommendations impacting dental.

You can identify your lawmakers and get the resources you need to be a successful advocate here.

Today, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Director Elizabeth Hertel released the following statement in response to the House's budget proposal. The proposed House budget, which cuts $4.95 billion from MDHHS, would drastically impact our ability to protect the health, safety and prosperity of Michigan families. The House budget would result in significant service reductions to Michigan’s 10 million residents through the loss of programs, including $20 million in adult dental coverage. Click here to read the full statement and press release.

On Wednesday, September 10, MOHC members met with key lawmakers to discuss the drastic impacts cuts to the Adult Medicaid Dental program and the increased ASC/OPH rates would have on not only beneficiaries, but the providers and systems that serve them across the state.

The group, consisting of MOHC leadership, My Community Dental Centers, Michigan Primary Care Association, Delta Dental, and the Michigan Association of Health Plans, met with the Chairs of the House and Senate Appropriations Committee, Chairs of the House DHHS Appropriations Subcommittees, as well as the Speaker of the House and House Minority Leader.

Efforts to remove fluoride from public water in St. Clair County are still underway, though no countywide action has been taken. Decisions ultimately rest with local municipalities, and while no immediate votes are scheduled, continued advocacy is essential to counter misinformation and protect residents’ oral health. MOHC and its partners are actively engaged to ensure community leaders have access to accurate, evidence-based information. We encourage members and partners to stay involved, share their expertise at local meetings, and help amplify the proven benefits of community water fluoridation.

UDM Dental Webinar

QPR: Protocol for Inspiring Hope to
Individuals Experiencing Suicidal Crises

Date: Wednesday, September 17

Time: 6-8 p.m.

CEUs: 2

Click to register

CareQuest Webinar

Yo Hablo Español: Bridging Language Barriers to Build Patient Trust

Date: Thursday, September 25

Time: 7-8 p.m.

CEUs: 1

Click to register

MOHC Webinar

Improving Antibiotic Use in Oral Health Practice

Date: Thursday, October 9

Time: 6-7 p.m.

CEU: 1

Click to register

Have you experienced the life-changing power of dental care through Medicaid? Or are you a provider who has seen firsthand how access to care can transform lives? The Michigan Oral Health Coalition (MOHC) is gathering real-life stories that show why Medicaid dental benefits matter to share with our elected officials and voters across the state.

We’re looking for:

• Patients who have received dental care as Medicaid beneficiaries and are willing to share how it impacted their lives
• Providers who have treated Medicaid patients and witnessed the transformative effect of care
• Your story can help improve and protect access to strong oral health care in Michigan.

If you're interested in sharing your experience, please reach out to Kimberly Raleigh at KRaleigh@mohc.org