Greetings from MOHC,

As we revel in the holiday spirit and stand on the cusp of a promising new year, I extend my sincerest gratitude to each of you for your relentless efforts in enhancing our state's oral health.

Allow me to introduce you to the Michigan Oral Health Coalition (MOHC). This organization works to create a large, interconnected network of national, state, and local advocates dedicated to working collaboratively on advocacy, education, and awareness of oral health. The past year was filled with monumental achievements for us, and we are thrilled to share these highlights with you.

MOHC and our partners began 2023 by successfully advocating for an increase in Medicaid dental rates in January - the first raise in over three decades. By April, we managed to expand the scope of Medicaid dental services. But the crowning glory of our year came with Governor Gretchen Whitmer's approval of SB 280, establishing Kindergarten Oral Health Assessments as a requirement for all children entering kindergarten.



Furthermore, we had the honor of hosting two exceptional conferences. These programs offered a valuable chance to stay updated on the latest advancements in oral health care and connect with advocates from all over the state. It created an opportunity to learn, collaborate, and network with like-minded individuals dedicated to promoting oral health.

As we venture into 2024, our mission remains to equitably optimize oral health for all Michiganders. We will continue to champion for accessible oral health care, ensure the implementation of Kindergarten oral health assessments, and advocate for increased access to dental sealants for children, among many other issues that impact the oral health of all Michiganders. Moreover, we are excited to host another enriching conference on May 16 and 17 in Lansing. Registration commences in January.

We invite you to join us as a partner or member for 2024 and be part of this transformative journey. Register Here

Together, we can revolutionize oral health care in Michigan and create a healthier future for all.

I appreciate your dedication to oral health care in our community and wish you Happy Holidays.

Warm Regards,

Ellen Sugrue Hyman

Advocacy Update

Legislative Update

KOHA Legislation Signed by Governor

Senate Bill 280 was signed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer on December 13. The bill will be assigned a Public Act number and go into effect before the program was set to sunset at the end of 2023.

Members are encouraged to reach out to the bill sponsor Senator Sam Singh (D-East Lansing) and thank him and his team for their hard work on SB 280. His office can be contacted at 517-373-3447; 855-347-8028; or SenSSingh@senate.michigan.gov. You can also send letters to the following address:



Senator Sam Singh

Post Office Box 30036

Lansing, MI 48909-7536

Special Election Called for Vacant House Seats

Following the results of November 7 elections where Representatives Lori Stone (D-Warren) and Kevin Coleman (D-Westland) won their mayoral races, the two have officially resigned from the Michigan legislature and Governor Gretchen Whitmer has called for special elections to be held in 2024 to fill the vacancies.

The vacant 13^th and 25^th districts will see primary elections on January 30, 2024, with general elections on April 16, 2024. We expect legislative activity to ramp up considerably following certification of election results in late April.

Regulatory Update

Medicaid Coverage of CHW/CHR Services

On December 1, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) issued Medicaid Bulletin MMP 23-74, policy to establish coverage criteria for community health worker (CHW)/community health representative (CHR) services. 

CHW services must be recommended by a licensed healthcare provider, including dentists, and include health system navigation and research coordination, health promotion and education, and screening and assessment services that do not require a license and support the identification of needed services and supports.

This policy is effective on January 1, 2024. Additional information, including more details about services and billing guidelines, can be found in the policy linked above. The consultation summary which includes comments and responses from the comment period can be found here.

Medicaid Bulletin Issued for Continuous Eligibility for Children Under 19

MDHHS also released Medicaid Bulletin MMP 23-73, which extends Medicaid’s current continuous eligibility categories to allow for more children under age 19 to keep full coverage for a continuous 12-month eligibility period. While this is the final bulletin issued and will be effective January 1, 2024, MDHHS is taking public comments until January 2, 2024.

Policy Committee Update

MOHC will begin advocating for Fiscal Year 2025 budget priorities, which includes funding for Kindergarten Oral Health Assessments.

Please reach out to Emily Henderson emily@mccallhamilton.com with questions. 

FREE Continuing Education

Join us from 7-8 p.m. on Wednesday, January 17, for "Dental Public Health 101". This course delves into the complexities of health equity and disparities in dental care. It provides insight into US/Michigan-specific data on various dental health issues and public health interventions to tackle these inequities. An exploration of career opportunities in dental public health, especially in underserved communities and dental public health clinics, is also included. Both novice and seasoned clinicians will gain a critical understanding of how dental public health clinics are addressing oral healthcare disparities.

Click to register for this FREE course!

MDHHS Changes to HMP

Effective January 1, 2024, Michigan Department of Health a Human Services (MDHHS) is making changes to the Healthy Michigan Plan (HMP) cost-sharing and healthy behaviors for beneficiaries. Enrolled beneficiaries in the Healthy Michigan Plan will not experience any disruptions in their care or reductions in their benefits.   

How can providers help? 

• Review additional details in bulletin number MMP 23-71. 
• Help beneficiaries verify or update their contact information in MIBridges. 
• Beneficiaries can also call their local MDHHS office. Visit the MDHHS County Office webpage to find local office information. 
• Stay up to date on changes by visiting the Healthy Michigan Plan website Healthy Michigan Plan 
• Beneficiaries with questions can refer to www.healthymichiganplan.org  

Providers with further questions contact Provider Support at 1-800-292-2550 or by email at ProviderSupport@Michigan.gov