The ADA led a coalition of dental organizations in support of federal legislation that would make dental and oral health services a required benefit for adults enrolled in Medicaid, saying the proposal would help protect access to care for millions of low-income Americans. 

The ADA continues its advocacy for comprehensive adult dental benefits as a required Medicaid service, saying oral health is integral to overall health and that access to dental care should not depend on where a patient lives. 

In a July 22 letter to Sen. Angela Alsobrooks, D-Md., and Rep. Nanette Barragán, D-Calif., the organizations thanked the lawmakers for introducing the Medicaid Dental Benefit Act, which would make adult dental coverage a mandatory component of Medicaid in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. According to the letter, the legislation has taken on added importance following enactment of H.R. 1, which places additional pressure on state Medicaid programs and could increase the likelihood that optional benefits, including adult dental coverage, are reduced or eliminated as states respond to budget constraints. 

Adult dental benefits remain optional under federal Medicaid law, resulting in significant variation among states. According to the letter, coverage may be comprehensive in some states but limited, emergency-only or unavailable in others, creating barriers to routine and preventive dental care for many adults enrolled in Medicaid. 

The letter also cited the potential consequences of eliminating adult dental benefits. According to research from the ADA Health Policy Institute, removing coverage could increase U.S. health care costs by an estimated $1.9 billion in one year and $9.6 billion over five years because of increased emergency department visits for dental conditions and unmet periodontal care needs among pregnant beneficiaries and individuals with diabetes and coronary artery disease. 

Loss of adult dental coverage could undermine preventive care, worsen oral and overall health, increase avoidable medical spending and negatively affect employment opportunities. According to the letter, estimates suggest that more than 2 million adults could face challenges finding work because of their oral health if adult Medicaid dental benefits were eliminated. 

 "Ensuring comprehensive adult dental coverage in Medicaid is therefore both sound health policy and a prudent economic investment," the organizations wrote. 

The letter, signed by 13 other dental organizations, concludes by commending the bill's sponsors and encouraging additional congressional support.   

For the ADA’s Medicaid latest advocacy efforts, visit ADA.org/advocacy.