August 2022 Newsletter
Register for the 2022 Catalyst Annual Summit!
We are thrilled to gather in person on October 7 at the Westin Richmond for the 2022 Summit! Join us as we discuss innovative solutions to improve oral and overall health and access to care for all Virginians. Find the agenda and event details here. Early bird registration ends September 16, so reserve your spot today! 
Advocacy Action: Comment to Support Medicare Policy Changes
The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is seeking from stakeholders (all of us!) input about coverage for dental services and the services of community health workers in Medicare. Please join Catalyst in submitting comments. CMS officials read EVERY submission. The number of comments received, as well as the content, informs how issues are prioritized. Read more about the proposed policies below:
Increasing Dental Coverage in Medicare

With millions of older adults and people with disabilities unable to afford the dental care they need to stay healthy, adding oral health coverage to Medicare is both much needed and in high demand. Luckily, there is something we can do about it right now! Comment on this year’s proposed “Medicare Physician Fee Schedule” to support increased coverage of dental services in Medicare.
 
It's easy to submit your comment using this template developed by Families USA, or create your own using language from the Catalyst comment. You can share your clinical or legal expertise regarding any of the items in the regulation if you’d like. Comments are due by September 6 at 5pm ET and can be uploaded at Regulations.gov for “CMS-2022-0113-1871”.
Sustainable Funding for CHWs

Community health workers (CHWs) are important members of the health care team, but their services are not reimbursable through Medicaid or Medicare. CMS is asking for input on reimbursement mechanisms for CHW services in Medicare. Specifically, the agency is interested in learning “whether and how CHWs, as auxiliary personnel of physicians and hospitals, may provide reasonable and necessary services to Medicare beneficiaries under the appropriate supervision of health care professionals.”

Use language from the comment from the Penn Center for Community Health Workers or the Catalyst comment to submit your own comment supporting this initiative. Comments are due by September 6 at 5pm ET and can be uploaded at Regulations.gov for “CMS-2022-0113-1871”.
Did you know: Pregnancy Medicaid coverage, including dental, extended to 1 year after childbirth
Pregnant people enrolled in Medicaid can receive comprehensive health benefits, including dental care, for 12 months after the birth of the baby. This expansion of services began July 22, 2022. Children born to Medicaid/FAMIS enrollees are already entitled to 12 months of continuous coverage through a preexisting rule.
Funding Opportunity: Healthy Communities Action Teams
The Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth (VFHY) announced a new round of three-year funding to support community efforts to reduce and prevent childhood obesity. This funding can drive policy, systems, and environmental changes in communities across Virginia to encourage healthy behaviors. Applicants may apply for up to $93,000 ($31,000 per year for three years). 
A Few Reminders:
The Catalyst Team is growing!
There are three exciting opportunities to join the Catalyst team and help ensure all Virginians have access to comprehensive health that includes oral health! Learn more below:

Special Needs Dentistry Training: Henrico, 9/9-9/10
The final free Special Needs Dentistry training of the year will be in Henrico on September 9-10. Dental professionals and students can learn the latest clinical information to deliver quality dental care to patients with special health care needs. Attendees will also learn disability etiquette, tips for making dental visits easier, and hygiene adaptations for patients with home care challenges.