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How much does an ABCD program cost?
How do you identify eligigble children in your community?
Can mothers be treated in the ABCD program?
What dental services are covered? And what are the reimbursement rates for these services?
What happens if the family moves away?
Can community clinics participate in the ABCD Program?
What happens when a client is a no-show?
Can existing clients in a practice be enrolled?
Have you succeeded in having more eligible kids seen by dentists?
What happens when the grant money for local funding runs out?
Can I attend an ABCD training?
How much does an ABCD program cost?
Each community is different, with costs varying dependent on the size of the Medicaid population, the size of the area covered, and health district salary levels.
How do you identify eligigble children in your community?
A variety of methods have been used to reach the target population of this program. One of the most effective means has been to create an orientation meeting for the agencies that work with the target population. Making this an 'event,' by serving food and having giveaway items, helps draw attendees. Oral health education as well as program-related information is featured.
In addition, it is a good idea to make separate and recurring presentations to Community Service Offices of State Medicaid or Welfare agencies. Some programs staff an enrollment table at the CSO on heavy attendance days.
Some other examples of outreach opportunities are:
- Create linkage with existing outreach workers and programs, such as:
- WIC
- Maternal Child Health Programs
- State Health Plan clients
- Success By Six programs (if available)
- Community Service Offices
- Head Start Centers
- Child Care Centers
- Schools
- Provide information or staff a booth at:
- Hospitals and community agencies for "Teddy Bear Clinics"
- Health fairs of all types
- Mobile medical or dental vans
- Safety Saturday programs
- Provide information to:
- New mother packets at hospitals
- School nurses
- Teen Parenting programs
- Migrant Health offices
- Phone referral lines for medical or dental services
- Family-oriented local magazines and newspaper supplements
Can mothers be treated in the ABCD program?
Many programs have wanted to treat mothers of ABCD children to help arrest the spread of dental caries. With the exception of provision of chlorhexedine rinses to mothers in Yakima County, this has not been part of the Washington State programs to date, because there are no comparable enhanced rates for treatment of new mothers. We're still working on it! Other states may be able to provide this valuable service.
What dental services are covered? And what are the reimbursement rates for these services?
See Dental Services and Enhanced Dental Fees for a partial list. Request the full schedule and codes from Medicaid (see Contacts).
What happens if the family moves away?
A family enrolled in the ABCD Program is eligible for services throughout the state, as long as eligibility is maintained and the county of residence has an ABCD program.
Can community clinics participate in the ABCD Program?
Federally-qualified health clinics (FQHCs) are not eligible for the enhanced ABCD reimbursement from Medicaid because they already are reimbursed for "true cost" of service. However, they and other community clinics should be encouraged to learn about the program, attend the training, and use the suggested early pediatric techniques. Clinics are a good source of referrals for clients in this age group and provide the back-up for children beyond ABCD age.
What happens when a client is a no-show?
There is no hard-and-fast rule; each program can set up its own standards with the participating dentists. Generally a client should be referred back to the local administrator for additional case management and coaching. If a dentist prefers not to attempt to see the client again, the administrator can refer to a different dentist.
Can existing clients in a practice be enrolled?
Yes, preferably in the first two months of the program. The dental office decides whether or not the client family needs the ABCD orientation.
Have you succeeded in having more eligible kids seen by dentists?
Yes. See Outcomes.
What happens when the grant money for local funding runs out?
Programs are encouraged to be visible in the community and network so that local sources will be willing to provide funding for the program at the end of the grant period (usually three years).
Can I attend an ABCD training?
Yes, if you notify the local administrator in advance. See Programs for next scheduled dates.
