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Adult Dental Medicaid Program
- The 2025-27 budget continues full funding for the Medicaid-equivalent adult dental benefit for clients enrolled in the Medical Care Services (MCS) program.
- There is no language reducing reimbursement rates for providers delivering adult dental Medicaid services.
- No new limitations or service caps are placed on adult dental Medicaid benefits.
- Compliance funding for federal Medicaid eligibility changes was added but does not impact dental reimbursements directly.
Public-Private Dental Access Partnership
- A continued investment is made to connect Medicaid patients with dental services.
- Funding of $250,000 was provided annually in 23-25; for 25-27, funding is continued but reduced to $100,000 for FY 2026.
- This funding supports partnerships aimed at reducing barriers to care.
University of Washington - RIDE Program Expansion
- $5,010,000 is appropriated from the Workforce Education Investment Account for expanding UW’s Regional Initiatives in Dental Education (RIDE) program.
- An additional $2,505,000 is allocated separately for a second entry expansion.
Implementation of Dental-Related Legislation
- Substitute Senate Bill 5351 (Dental Insurance Practices):
- $290,000 appropriated from the Insurance Commissioner's Regulatory Account for implementation.
- Other legislative implementations funded include:
- HB 1466 (Dental Auxiliaries): $46,000
- HB 1287 (Dental Hygienists): $12,000
- HB 1678 (Dental Therapists): $136,000 General Fund + $193,000 Health Professions Account
- HB 1576 (Dentist Interstate Licensure Compact): $158,000
Oral Health Equity Initiatives
- $100,000 is allocated to an oral health equity workgroup convened in Pierce County to identify disparities and promote water fluoridation education.
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