G-2403-20301

KYA is a longstanding CareQuest Institute partner and has received grant funding to sustain and expand their continued management of the Kentucky Oral Health Coalition (KOHC) as well as their advocacy to the state’s Medicaid program to include dental benefits for adult members. In 2023, the expanded benefits were permanently implemented. Outcomes from their latest CareQuest Institute grant include staffing the Kentucky Oral Health Coalition (KOHC) that determined a policy priority agenda for the state legislative session. 2024 priorities included protecting statewide community water fluoridation, protecting Medicaid benefits, increasing Medicaid dental reimbursement rates, and reducing nicotine use, particularly initiation among youth. KOHC also completed the design, data collection, and publication of a statewide oral health landscape assessment, including recommendations for improving oral health in Kentucky, and engaged members in virtual and in-person meetings.

Through the Policy and Advocacy Subprogram, KOHC will focus on gathering information from members and stakeholders to finalize a 2025 policy agenda. They will engage members in refining the policy agenda and voting on the legislative agenda. In 2025, KOHC will engage with policymakers and mobilize advocates to ensure success of the policy agenda. Additionally, as they work on successful implementation of expanded benefits, they seek to better understand how different populations in Kentucky are accessing care, and where this access can be expanded and improved. KOHC will use the next year to develop a model for regional workgroups that will support the coalition’s goals.

This request is for $125,000, which is 3% of the organization’s overall budget. The grant funds will support staff, travel, meetings and conference expenses, and contracts with partners that serve vulnerable populations