G-1911-15751

This investment supports the Hawaii Children’s Action Network to capitalize on building political will to advance policy in support of re-establishing a comprehensive adult dental benefit in Hawaii’s Medicaid program. This aligns with the DentaQuest Partnership priorities to promote health equity in Hawaii, engage grassroots partners in systems-change advocacy, pursue person-centered models of care, and expand access to public adult dental benefits. The political and policy opportunity that exists in Hawaii includes, but is not limited to, the 2019 passage of legislation mandating a cost-analysis report be developed to better understand the financial implications of funding the benefit as well as the growing capacity and influence of HCAN and their partners to influence state level policy. The growing support for the benefit also is creating an opportunity to better understand how models of person-centered care are or are not operating in the Hawaii Safety-Net. Specific outcomes for 2020 include: passage of legislation that re-establishes a comprehensive adult dental benefit, a strengthened community-driven coalition that is highly engaged in advocacy, and a deeper understanding of the opportunities to advance person-centered models of care. $99,441 supports time, travel, and supplies associated with the deliverables as well as mini-grants to support local engagement in rural, neighbor island partners.