Apple Health (Medicaid) Provider Alert from HCA:

As directed by the legislature in Senate Bill 5883, the Health Care Authority (agency) is implementing the Oral Health Connections (OHC) pilot project, effective January 1, 2019. This is a three-year pilot project.

The purpose of the pilot project is to test the effect enhanced oral health services have on the overall health of diabetic or pregnant Medicaid clients age 21 to 64. This pilot project focuses on clients receiving services in the following counties:

• Cowlitz
• Spokane
• Thurston

The goal of the OHC pilot project is to gain additional information on whether or not enhanced periodontal care, in these populations, could lead to improved health outcomes and reduced health care costs.

The agency adopted new rules under WAC 182-535-1270 and created a new Oral Health Connections (OHC) billing guide. The new billing guide is available on the agency’s Provider billing guides page, under Dental Program.