The 2019 Legislature has directed the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) to continue to administer the dental Medicaid program through fee-for-service. The HCA may not proceed with a carved-out or carved-in managed care dental option at this time. Further, any contracts that have been procured or that are in the process of being procured will not be implemented. 

Additionally, by November 15, 2019, the HCA must submit a report to the Governor, as well as appropriate committees of the Legislature, outlining a plan to improve access to dental services for Medicaid clients. The plan will need to address options for carve-in, carve-out, fee-for-service and other models, and include associated costs.

This development was unexpected and WSDA will provide more information to our members as it becomes available. 

To stay up to date on the latest news and information involving Washington state’s dental Medicaid program, please visit wsda.org/medicaid.