Oral Health Now A CMS Cross-Cutting Initiative
On May 16, 2023, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) updated its Strategic Plan page to include a new Cross Cutting Initiative (CCI): Oral Health. CMS' CCIs are the mechanisms and means to advance CMS's priorities under its six strategic pillars: (1) advance equity, (2) expand access, (3) engage partners, (4) drive innovation, (5) protect programs, and (6) foster excellence. Previously, CMS identified 12 CCIs in which it would pursue its six pillars in, including rural health, benefit expansion, and data transformation. Through this new oral-health CCI, CMS will implement policy changes and consider opportunities through existing authorities to expand access to oral health coverage.
Impact on General Dentistry: CMS' announcement, along with HRSA's previously announced Oral Health Initiative, reflects the federal government's renewed attention and focus on the importance of oral health. They are promising for the work of AGD to expand access to the practice of general dentistry for all and to ensure Medicaid includes robust oral health coverage. The AGD will continue to follow developments in the administration that may provide opportunities for advocacy and engagement.
Impact on General Dentistry: CMS' announcement, along with HRSA's previously announced Oral Health Initiative, reflects the federal government's renewed attention and focus on the importance of oral health. They are promising for the work of AGD to expand access to the practice of general dentistry for all and to ensure Medicaid includes robust oral health coverage. The AGD will continue to follow developments in the administration that may provide opportunities for advocacy and engagement.