SB 6549, supported by WSDA, further expands the Access to Baby & Child Dentistry (ABCD) program to include children with disabilities up to age 13.
On Wednesday, March 21, Governor Jay Inslee signed
SB 6549 into law.
The Access to Baby & Child Dentistry program connects low income families with dentists who are trained to care for children under age 5. Since 1999, ABCD has more than doubled the percentage of Apple Health (Medicaid) eligible babies, toddlers, and preschoolers who receive care. A pilot program to expand this successful model to pregnant women and persons with diabetes is underway.
SB 6549 further expands the program to include children with disabilities up to age 13 to ensure they continue to receive comprehensive dental benefits under the ABCD program.
Thank you especially to Senator Christine Rolfes for prime sponsoring the bill, Representative Michelle Caldier for helping shepherd it through the House, and WSDA Board Member Dr. John Gibbons for his dedication to turning his great idea into law.