On September 26, 2024, the Biden Administration released new guidance on Medicaid and CHIP coverage for children. This comprehensive guidance, the most detailed Medicaid Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment (EPSDT) framework released in a decade, highlights best practices and strategies for states to meet Medicaid’s EPSDT requirements. The guidance reinforces EPSDT guidelines and requirements, ensuring that children receive a comprehensive range of medically necessary services, including well-child visits, mental health care, and services including dental and vision care. The guidance outlines strategies for states to improve care coordination, expand behavioral health services, address the needs of children with disabilities, and enhance the workforce. It also emphasizes the importance of early intervention and preventive care to avert health problems.

A press release with more information is available here.

Impact on General Dentistry: Through this guidance, the Biden Administration expressed support for and underscored the importance of access to dental services for children. Receiving regular dental care is pivotal to ensure that dental and other health problems are averted or diagnosed and treated as early as possible.