South Carolina
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Post Office Box 8206
Columbia, South Carolina 29202-8206
www.scdhhs.gov
 
September 20, 2010
 
TO:               The Medicaid Dental Provider Community
 
SUBJECT:     A message regarding DentaQuest
 
Thank you for your timely and specific feedback regarding the significant issues arising as a result of the transition to the Medicaid dental Administrative Service Organization (ASO), DentaQuest.  The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is fully aware of the situation, and we are cognizant of the challenging administrative and financial issues that you, our provider partners, have encountered.  I want you to know we are committed to working through the issues with DentaQuest to ensure that providers are paid for appropriate services to Medicaid beneficiaries. 
 
With any transition of this magnitude, unexpected issues occur and much effort is being devoted to timely resolution.  Agency leadership is working internally and with the vendor to explore the options available to the Medicaid program, to ensure the most favorable outcome at this point.  I want to assure you that appropriate staff and resources are being allocated to assist DentaQuest to better serve you.  Right now the vendor is working under a "corrective action plan" as required by contract, and the agency is seeking liquidated damages for failure of certain contractual obligations.  DHHS is considering every alternative available under this contract.
 
DHHS believes in the concept of proper service and billing management, and we have found effective methods to ensure just that in other areas of Medicaid.  Ultimately, it is our intent to ensure the integrity and efficiency of the Medicaid dental program to support both appropriate care and cost effectiveness.   Thank you for your patience as we work toward that.
 
Again, I recognize the obstacles you may be facing, and I am especially concerned about the timely payment of appropriate claims.  I am also concerned about the potential care and access issues the Medicaid population could face.  We are working toward a resolution with these two thoughts at the forefront. 
 
Please continue to contact us as issues arise.  We will stay in contact with you as we move toward solutions.  
 
Thank you for your service to those who rely on Medicaid coverage. 
 
                                                                                                Sincerely,
                                                                                                Emma Forkner, Director