ADA supports legislation to reduce Medicaid administrative barriers

SMILED Act introduced by dentist congressman

The ADA led 14 other dental organizations in thanking Rep. Mike Simpson, D.M.D., R-Idaho, for introducing legislation that would reduce administrative barriers for dentists who participate in Medicaid.

H.R. 1422, the Strengthening Medicaid Incentives for Licensees Enrolled in Dental Act, would reduce administrative barriers by simplifying the credentialing process so that dentists do not have long wait times to become Medicaid providers. This bill would encourage states to use an integrated system such as CAQH to minimize paperwork and complete the credentialing process within 90 days.

“In order to help ensure access to care, a strong network of dentists is needed to see the patients served by Medicaid,” wrote ADA President George R. Shepley, D.D.S., and Executive Director Raymond A. Cohlmia, D.D.S., in a separate letter sent by the ADA. “Unfortunately, however, administrative requirements often discourage dentists from signing up for, or staying in, the Medicaid program.

Additionally, the SMILED Act would ensure fair Medicaid audits by requiring that they be performed by a dentist from the same specialty and be based on clinical practice guidelines from the ADA and other dental organizations.

Follow all of the ADA’s advocacy efforts at ADA.org/advocacy.