Department Seeks Innovative Solutions To Expand Dental Access Across Wisconsin MADISON - The Department of Health and Family Services announces that it is requesting information from advocates, counties, organizations, and oral health care providers on how to create a new system that will expand access to dental care for children and families in Wisconsin. The Department is interested in solutions that will address the access problem on a local, regional, or statewide basis. “Governor Doyle has identified $8.8 million in on-going Medicaid funding to be used to transform the dental delivery system as part of his BadgerCare Plus initiative," said Secretary Kevin Hayden. "Dental decay is the number one chronic disease of childhood, particularly among low-income children who often don’t have access to a dentist. Severe dental problems can make it harder for children to do well in school because they are in pain – instead of being able to focus in class – and we need to do all we can to help kids succeed.” The Department is issuing a Request for Information (RFI) to solicit creative strategies to dramatically improve access to comprehensive dental care for children and families currently participating in family Medicaid programs. Dental health providers and advocates are encouraged to develop innovative, viable strategies that will ensure comprehensive dental care for families across Wisconsin. Responses to the RFI are due July 25, 2007. Wisconsin currently spends approximately $30 million annually to provide dental services to low-income families enrolled in Medicaid and BadgerCare. The $8.8 million earmarked for dental access in the proposed BadgerCare Plus initiative would be added to current Medicaid funding to improve access to preventive, diagnostic, and restorative dental services for eligible children and families. Using innovative solutions proposed by individuals and organizations under this RFI will help the Department in creating a more accessible dental care system. The $8.8 million in dental funds is contingent on legislative adoption of the BadgerCare Plus proposal in the 2007-09 biennial budget. Read more at dhfs.wisconsin.gov