Journal of the Louisiana Dental Association

LDAmedicaid task forceEdward L. “Don” Donaldson, Jr., D.D.S.Chair, Medicaid Task ForceIt’s Time to Get on Boardwanted to share with you some excellent newsI concerning the dental Medicaid program in Louisiana.For the seventh year in a row, the legislature hasenacted a reimbursement rate increase that will movepayment schedules substantially higher. They are nowclose to a point that I hope will encourage many ofyou to participate. The updated rates will be postedon the LDA Web site as soon as they are available. Theyshould increase current fees by 15–20%. Seven yearsago, with great support from the LDA, I began thismission to provide dental care to all Medicaid-eligiblekids in our state. We knew this could only happenwith dramatic increases in fees paid to provider dentists.My motivation was two-fold. By increasing rates,more dentist participation would result in more kidsbeing treated. In addition, I felt that substantial rateincreases would help many of you in improving yourincome level and subsequently, the profitability of yourpractice. Of course, I had treated Medicaid kids in mypractice for 30 years and the thought of this commitmentfinally turning a profit was exciting to me as well.There is another benefit to the increase we havereceived. The current Medicaid rates should putmore upward pressure on various PPO plans thatsome of you participate in to not only compete butexceed the rates.In any case, this is a sincere request to every dentistin Louisiana. I need your help now. We have spentthe last seven years working with all members of theHouse Appropriations and Senate Finance committees.We have met personally with all 35 of these peopleeach year. We have contributed substantially to all oftheir campaigns. They would like to see some resultsin the form of more kids being seen. Still, there are halfa million children who did not see a dentist last year.Your commitment to see one Medicaid-eligible childa day would make a dramatic change in the numbers.Please consider enrolling in the program right away.I will also make a commitment to stay with thiseffort for at least two to three more years and hopefullycontinue the forward progress.As a side note, to my knowledge there is no statethat has put together a seven-year string of increases inthe Medicaid rates for health professionals. We owe itto these legislators and the underprivileged children ofthis state to begin to take care of these kids.Lastly, this is a shout out to my fellow pediatricdentists. Where have you been? This is your turf! Weneed all of you on board.6 LDA Journal