Abstract
The Virginia Medicaid Smiles for Children program saw its first reimbursement rate increase in over 16 years, with a 30% hike effective July 1, 2022, backed by $116 million in new funding. This change aims to improve access to dental care for children on Medicaid, addressing the state's historically low participation rates. The increase follows advocacy from dentists, VDA members, and students. Medicaid, established in 1965, has undergone various reforms, with the EPSDT program mandating dental care for eligible children. Higher reimbursement rates are expected to attract more providers and enhance dental care access for children in Virginia.
Recommended Citation
Koury, Sarah DMD and Berry, Elizabeth DDS, MSD, MPH
(2024)
"A MUCH-NEEDED INCREASE,"
Virginia Dental Journal: Vol. 100:
No.
2, Article 4.
Available at:
https://commons.ada.org/vadentaljournal/vol100/iss2/4