Delta Dental Receives State Grant to Expand Services to Healthy Families Beneficiaries
The Managed Risk Medical Insurance Board recently awarded Delta Dental of California $6.8 million to expand its participation in Healthy Families. Delta is the largest of five plans that serve dental clients under Healthy Families. The funds, which Delta will distribute over a two-year period beginning July 1, will be used to expand staffing, extend clinic hours and purchase equipment and supplies for 23 rural clinics and "several" mobile dental treatment vans. About $1 million of the funds are earmarked for "special rate enhancements that help fund clinics serving special populations, including children of migrant and seasonal farm workers, fishing and forestry workers and Native Americans." Delta President and CEO Gary Radine said, "The unmet dental needs of children in Healthy Families remain an important priority for the state of California, and we know how to direct funding in a way that can make a powerful impact on that. MRMIB, Gov. Gray Davis (D) and the state Legislature are all to be commended for their support of those who face the greatest obstacles in getting needed dental care" (Delta Dental of California release, 6/6).
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