MedicaidCoverageHigh impact
MMP 26-37: Healthy Kids Dental (HKD) Program Changes
Michigan Medicaid - MDHHS·MI · Dentistry·Specialty Services
Effective date
Oct 1, 2026
We identified it
Sep 2, 2026
Summary
Effective October 1, 2026, children in Child Caring Institutions (CCIs) become eligible for the Healthy Kids Dental (HKD) program and will be automatically enrolled with Delta Dental of Michigan as the statewide administrator. Providers currently accepting only Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan HKD must either join the Delta Dental network or beneficiaries will be auto-assigned to new providers; continuity of care exceptions are available for ongoing treatment up to 6 months.
Action Required
By September 1, 2026: Dental practices billing team must determine if the practice currently accepts Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan HKD plan only. If yes, immediately decide whether to join Delta Dental of Michigan provider network (visit https://www.deltadentalmi.com/join-our-networks) or remain outside the network. Billing team must update provider records in all billing software and claims submission systems to reflect network status. For any beneficiaries with ongoing treatment, providers must submit continuity of care requests to Delta Dental of Michigan before October 1, 2026 to continue treatment beyond the auto-assignment transition. Update intake forms and collection procedures to reflect that HKD beneficiaries from CCIs may transition to Delta Dental. Train billing staff on the 90-day prior authorization honor period from Blue Cross Blue Shield to Delta Dental. Failure to join the Delta Dental network will result in auto-assignment of beneficiaries to other providers and loss of those patients.