From the HCA:

The projected costs of the Managed Care Dental Program requires that the Legislature be given the opportunity to enact a budget that provides the funding necessary to implement the program. In order to ensure the Legislature has time to complete its important work, the Health Care Authority's (HCA) Managed Care Dental Program will not be implemented until July 1, 2019.

The HCA will continue to administer the current Apple Health fee-for-service (FFS) dental program until the Managed Care Dental Program is implemented.

Background
During the 2017 legislative session, SSB 5883 passed, requiring HCA to contract with licensed dental health plans or managed health care plans to provide managed care dental services. The purpose of the legislation is to allow for greater efficiency, increased access, and better oral health outcomes for Medicaid enrollees.

HCA released a Request for Proposal (RFP) 2516 for Managed Care Dental services on May 3, 2018. Bids were due on June 29, 2019, and three Apparent Successful Bidders (ASBs) were announced on August 1, 2018.

Want more information?
HCA provides regular updates to the Managed Care Dental web page. In addition to FAQs, you will find general information and a timeline for the implementation of the Managed Care Dental program. You may also email your questions to HCAMCDentalInfo@hca.wa.gov.