September 7, 2011
Alert for Dentists who Provide Orthodontic Services Under Medicaid
Medicaid is currently accepting comments on proposed changes to the orthodontic benefit. There has been some recent public concern over the amount of money spent on Medicaid orthodontic codes and some misunderstanding about what is covered. The policy on orthodontic services is likely being revised to help address these concerns.
Medicaid issued a new revision of its policy draft in early September. Comments on the proposed rule changes can be submitted in person or by email, as detailed below. The current markup of Medicaid’s orthodontic rule, including the September amendments, can be viewed here. Please note that Medicaid’s Medical Services Board hearing on this policy has been rescheduled to Friday, October 14.
Opportunities for Input
Those interested in discussing the policy directly with Medicaid officials may attend an informal, come-and-go input session on Monday, August 22 at 9am in the first floor conference room at 225 E. 16th Avenue, Denver, CO 80203. The input session on August 22 will cover several Medicaid rules, including many that do not pertain to dentistry.
As an alternative to attending the hearing, comments can be submitted by email to jeanine.draut@state.co.us. Please submit any written comments by September 30, 2011.
Medicaid’s Medical Services Board will hold a formal hearing on the orthodontic rule on Friday, October 14 at 9am in the first floor conference room at 225 E. 16th Avenue, Denver, CO 80203. Please note that this date has changed (originally scheduled for Friday, September 9). A decision on adoption of the orthodontic policy revisions is expected to be made during the October hearing.
Finally, a formal stakeholder debate on implementation of the policy will be held during the fall (originally scheduled for October 10, but the date is being changed due to conflicts with other dental meetings). If you are interested in attending the stakeholder meeting on the orthodontic benefit, please contact Jennifer Goodrum at 303-996-2847, 800-343-3010 x107, or jennifer@cdaonline.org for more details.
