Posts by Sarah Bedard Holland
Help 400,000 Virginians Gain Health Coverage
Virginia has an opportunity to provide health coverage for 400,000 adults by increasing the number of individuals eligible for Medicaid – an initiative made possible through the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Increasing medicaid eligibility means the state can maximize federal resources to cover more people and improve health care for our most vulnerable. Additional federal…
Read MoreGOP Pulls the American Health Care Act
Congressional Republicans pulled the American Health Care Act (AHCA) before it could be considered by the House last Friday, because they did not have enough votes to pass. The AHCA legislation intended to repeal major pieces of the Affordable Care Act and severely reduce funding for Medicaid. If the AHCA had become law, Virginia's Medicaid…
Read MoreAmerican Health Care Act – Upcoming Vote and Resources
View our Health Policy Webinar Presented March 20, 2017 Adapted from Healthcare for All Virginians (HAV), March 20, 2017 The American Health Care Act (AHCA) will be up for consideration in the House Committee on Rules on Wednesday, March 22. It is likely that this piece of legislation will move quickly to be considered on…
Read MoreHealth Policy Update: Virginia’s 2017 Session, ACA Repeal and Medicaid
Virginia's 2017 Legislative Session The General Assembly concluded its short session on February 25. Of note: Dental Hygienists Under Remote Supervision Dental hygienists, including those employed by safety net sites, will be able to provide preventive services under remote supervision in community-based settings, like schools and Head Start. The legislation passed the legislature unanimously, and the Board…
Read MoreFederal Health Policy – What’s at Stake in Virginia?
The Trump administration has made repeal of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) a priority. This, coupled with expiration of funding for FAMIS (known federally as CHIP) and the likelihood of significant changes to Medicaid, will have substantial bearing on Virginia's health care system and the health of Virginians. VaOHC staff is staying up-to-date on health…
Read MoreVirginia Receives C+ Grade on Oral Health
Statewide Coalition Unveils Countrys First Oral Heath Report Card
Read MoreDental care important but elusive for many adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities
Each February, advocates across the U.S. raise awareness about the importance of dental health. Dental issues cause thousands of lost school and work hours each year. Good home hygiene and regular, professional dental care are critical steps to maintaining optimal oral health and preventing costly and painful oral conditions. Yet, for many low-income, health-disadvantaged adults…
Read MoreVirginia Legislators Recognize Value of Oral Health Care During Pregnancy
On Sunday, February 8, Virginia's House and Senate both released budgets that included funding for dental benefits for pregnant women enrolled in Medicaid and FAMIS MOMS. Since the funding was already included in the Governor's budget, the funding would have to have been removed with specific language or a budget amendment. The House budget includes…
Read MoreDMAS Releases Pregnancy Dental Benefit Fact Sheets for Providers, Enrollees
Comprehensive dental benefits for pregnant women enrolled in Medicaid and FAMIS MOMS will begin on March 1, 2015. On this date, providers may begin billing for this benefit and enrolled pregnant women can receive dental services. The Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) has put together outreach resources for medical and dental providers, members and…
Read MoreHappy 70th Anniversary, Water Fluoridation!
Happy Anniversary, Water Fluoridation! Happy anniversary to water fluoridation – otherwise known as dental disease prevention in the tap! On January 25, 1945, Grand Rapids, Michigan became the first city in the world to fluoridate its community water supply. The innovative move to combat tooth decay stemmed from more than 35 years of collaborative research,…
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