Campaign Updates
PSAs Available Through July 22, 2026
The Campaign’s latest television and radio PSAs, “For All Life’s Moments,” is available in both English and Spanish. These PSAs can be used in outreach through July 22, 2026, as produced by CMS. Live read radio scripts and a pitch letter are also available to support your community outreach efforts.
CMS Core Set Data Dashboard Highlights Medicaid and CHIP Program Outcomes, Including Oral Health
Did you know that nearly 45% of children ages 21 and under who have Medicaid or CHIP coverage received a comprehensive or periodic oral health exam, according to the recently released Core Set Data Dashboard. The Medicaid and CHIP Core Set Data Dashboard displays data about the quality of care provided to Medicaid and CHIP beneficiaries. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) encourages users to explore Core Set data to examine performance across states and to inspire and inform efforts to improve the quality of care provided to Medicaid and CHIP beneficiaries. Dashboard data points can also be incorporated into outreach and awareness efforts to stress the importance of these programs.
We’re reminded each February, during National Children’s Dental Health Month (NCDHM), that a child’s smile represents more than just healthy teeth — it’s a foundation for their overall health! Dental issues such as tooth decay can make everyday activities more challenging for children, from concentrating in class to getting a good night’s sleep, and it may even affect their confidence with peers.
While many families and caretakers want the best for their children’s oral health, concerns about cost, access, or finding a dentist can serve as barriers that prevent children from receiving regular dental care. By addressing these challenges and supporting early oral health access, we can help protect children from avoidable problems, and set them up for healthy, happier futures.
This is where Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) can make a difference. These programs cover essential dental benefits like regular check-ups every six months, x-rays, dental sealants, and even treatments like fillings at no or minimal cost. Enrolled children up to age 19 have access to these important dental services, which means parents and caretakers can spend less time worrying about whether coverage will be there when it’s needed most. Parents are encouraged to use the Find a Dentist tool on InsureKidsNow.gov to locate a dentist in their community who accepts Medicaid and CHIP.
Getting into the routine of consistent dental care as a child will build healthy oral health habits early and can prevent tooth decay. These habits not only help children develop stronger teeth as they grow, but also keep them feeling their best, which supports better attention and participation at school. We have an opportunity during National Children’s Dental Health Month to highlight how access to preventive care creates healthier outcomes for children and gives families the peace of mind they deserve.
Resources to Power Your Oral Health Outreach
The Connecting Kids to Coverage National Campaign offers a variety of resources to help partners promote good oral health for children and encourage families in their communities to enroll in Medicaid and CHIP to access essential dental benefits. Some of these resources include:
- Coloring pages for kids
- Digital videos
- Social media posts and graphics
- Newsletter templates
- Customizable posters and more
Don’t forget to check out our Materials Customization Guide to learn how you can add your organization’s information to our posters, palmcards, and other materials across several initiatives, including dental health.
Stay Connected with the Campaign
- Share our Campaign materials. Our Outreach Tool Library is constantly growing with a variety of resources to use in your outreach and enrollment efforts, available in multiple formats.
- Contact Us. Want to get more involved with the Campaign? Email us at ConnectingKids@cms.hhs.gov — we’d love to hear from you!
- Connect on social media. Follow the Campaign on X (formerly Twitter) at @IKNGov, share our messages with your social network, and join the conversation using the #Enroll365 and #KidsEnroll hashtags in your posts.
Subscribe to the “Campaign Notes” eNewsletter
Stay connected with the Connecting Kids to Coverage National Campaign! Our eNewsletter, “Campaign Notes,” is sent throughout the year and provides the latest updates on Campaign activities, resources, and initiatives. If a friend or colleague forwarded this email to you, we invite you to subscribe to receive this eNewsletter directly to your inbox.