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Ohio Department of Medicaid Proposes Changes to Dental Reimbursement and Coverage Rule

Client Alert

The Ohio Department of Medicaid is proposing amendments to Ohio Administrative Code rule 5160-5-01 to do all of the following:

  • Procedure Code Updates
    • Update covered services based on new procedure codes added to the 2024 American Dental Association Code on Dental Procedures and Nomenclature.
  • Frequency Limitations and Coverage Clarifications
    • Amend frequency limitations, coverage clarifications, and service descriptions for: Dental exams, Prophylaxis, Imaging, Pin retention, Re-cementing, Re-bonding, Orthodontic treatments, Biopsy, Application of fluoride varnish.
  • Imaging Payments
    • Allow reimbursement for multiple bitewings taken in conjunction with a panoramic image.
  • Vaccine Administration
    • Discontinue payment for the administration of COVID-19 and human papillomavirus vaccines.
  • Pin Retention
    • Reimburse pin retention per tooth, with a maximum of three pins per tooth.
  • Re-cementing and Re-bonding Crowns
    • Remove the frequency limit for re-cementing and re-bonding crowns.
  • Orthodontic Treatment Payments
    • Ensure payment for comprehensive orthodontic treatment (D8080) covers the initial placement visit and the first quarter of treatment.
    • Allows seven calendar quarters of periodic orthodontic treatment visits (D8670) per course of treatment.
    • Prohibits reimbursement for D8670 in the same quarter as D8080.
  • Partial Dentures
    • Removes the restriction stating "A partial denture with a resin base may be covered only for a patient younger than 19".
  • Dental Evaluations and Prophylaxis
    • Clarifies that periodic dental evaluations and dental prophylaxis are covered once per 180 days for several special groups, including but not limited to:
      • Pregnant women
      • Foster children
      • Employed individuals with disabilities, regardless of age
    • Prior Authorization (PA) Requirements
      • The PA Required column will indicate when procedures are paid by report.
      • Prohibits reimbursement for excisional biopsies of salivary glands in conjunction with another biopsy on the same date of service.
    • Topical Fluoride Varnish Application
      • Adds the Current Procedural Terminology code for "Application of topical fluoride varnish by a physician or other qualified health care professional when performed in a nondental clinic or facility setting".

There will be a hearing on these proposed rule changes August 12, 2024. Please contact BMD Healthcare Member Daphne Kackloudis at dlkackloudis@bmdllc.com for questions or to help you prepare comments on the rules.


New $100,000 Fee on H-1B Petitions – Legal Immigration

President Trump issued an Executive Order (EO) imposing a $100,000 payment to accompany any new H-1B visa petitions submitted after 12:01 a.m. eastern time on September 21, 2025 and will remain in place for 12 months (unless extended).

Implications of Supreme Court Stay for Business Operations in Noem v. Vasquez Perdomo

On September 8, 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court temporarily reinstated immigration officers’ authority to conduct brief stops based on factors such as location, work type, language, or appearance. This stay in Noem v. Vasquez Perdomo allows enforcement actions to resume in California pending appeal. Employers in industries like construction, agriculture, landscaping, and day labor should prepare for increased worksite disruptions and review compliance protocols.

Ohio House Bill 429: Potential Relief for Providers Facing Same-Day Reimbursement Restrictions

Ohio House Bill 429 aims to prevent third-party payers from reducing provider reimbursement for multiple procedures performed on the same day. The bill could improve payment practices for a range of specialties, including surgery and gastroenterology.

FTC Continues to Target Noncompetes

The FTC is intensifying its focus on noncompete agreements in healthcare, urging employers to review contracts for compliance. While Ohio still generally enforces noncompetes, pending legislation could limit their use.

Medicare Updates: Prior Authorizations and Physician Fee Schedule

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced two key updates effective January 1, 2026: a six-state prior authorization pilot program targeting high-risk services under the WISeR Model, and proposed revisions to the Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) that include increased payment rates, expanded telehealth coverage, and updated policies for chronic care, behavioral health, and rural providers.