Information for Providers Interested in Accepting Apple Health

Have you heard?

Now is a great time to accept Apple Health dental insurance!

Apple Health (Medicaid) dental insurance reimbursement rates for adults have increased beginning July 1, 2021. The Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) increased reimbursement rates by 100% for most adult dental services covered by Apple Health for fee-for-service providers.

View this informational flyer from Dentist Link to learn more.

Diabetes Awareness Month

November is Diabetes Awareness Month. Good oral health is especially important for people with diabetes, who are 3x more likely to have gum disease. As part of Smile Spokane’s Care Coordination Strategy, Aging and Long Term Care of Eastern Washington connects people with diabetes to oral health providers who take Apple Health Medicaid. Accessing dental services helps people with diabetes manage the health of their mouth.

Maintaining good oral health helps people manage diabetes.

Taking care of the mouth helps keep down on germs that cause gum disease, an infection of the gums. Gum disease is a cycle:

  • Having gum disease can raise blood sugar.

  • Elevated blood sugar provides an ideal environment for germs.

  • More germs mean an increased chance of gum disease.

  • Gum disease can raise blood sugar, starting the cycle over again.

Learn more about the connection between oral health and diabetes on the Mighty Mouth website!

The Campaign for Dental Health (CDH)

The Campaign for Dental Health (CDH) is a coalition of organizations that support prevention. The CDH was created to ensure that people of all ages have access to the most effective, affordable, and equitable way to protect teeth from decay — community water fluoridation. The coalition and its website are managed by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Spokane Regional Health District (SRHD) – Oral Health Program

The Spokane Regional Health District Oral Health Program assists individuals and families needing dental services. For those without access to dental insurance, covering the costs of dental visits can be much harder and may result in a decision to avoid going to the dentist. There are cost-saving options available for those seeking assistance with dental health care.