Dentists can expect Medi-Cal program changes over the next few years as a result of a new Department of Health Care Services initiative, according to the California Dental Association.
The California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal proposal aims to establish "broader delivery system, program and payment reform across the Medi-Cal Program," according to the Oct. 28 proposal summary.
The Dental Transformation Initiative of the current Medi-Cal 2020 program, aimed at improving children's dental health, was allocated $740 million for 2016-20. The new proposal continues this trend, adding the Caries Risk Assessment Bundle and silver diamine fluoride for young children as a new benefit. The proposal also intends to continue and expand Pay for Performance Initiatives that reward increasing preventive services and maintaining continuity of care for both children and adults.
Despite Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom's recent veto of legislation making silver diamine fluoride a Medi-Cal benefit, the new proposal would add SDF as a statewide benefit in Medi-Cal.
The proposed legislation will be included in upcoming 2020 state budget negotiations.