G-1911-15482

This investment supports Maine Equal Justice Partners (MEJP) to lead and support community-based advocacy efforts to implement an adult dental benefit in Medicaid in alignment with The DentaQuest Partnership priorities to promote health equity in Maine, engage grassroots partners in systems-change advocacy, and expand access to public adult dental benefits. MEJP is a nonprofit legal aid provider and grassroots advocacy organization working to increase economic security, opportunity, and equity for people in Maine. Along with other community-based and statewide partners in Maine including the Maine Oral Health Coalition, MEJP will capitalize on momentum in the state to bring consumer voice, health equity and racial justice to the conversation about implementing an adult dental benefit in Medicaid. Specific work for 2020 includes capacity building, grassroots organizing, meeting with legislative champions, and organizing communications campaigns. $125,000 will support staff time, in-state travel, mini-grants, and administrative costs.