Arkansas Boosts Medicaid Dental Rates to Tackle Oral Health Crisis
After nearly two decades without an increase, Arkansas is raising Medicaid dental reimbursement rates to encourage providers to stay in the system as well incentivize those who have left the program to return. The move aims to combat some of the worst oral health outcomes in the country, especially among children, older adults, and people with special needs.
Arkansas is making a major move to address its dental health crisis by increasing Medicaid reimbursement rates for key dental services. A new law mandates that the Arkansas Medicaid Program boost payments for procedures such as oral surgery and care for children and adults with special needs. It is the first increase in 18 years. Advocates believe this change will encourage oral health professionals to return to the Medicaid network and maintain their support for underserved communities.
The state’s oral health metrics paint a troubling picture. Arkansas ranks near the bottom nationally in dental care access, according to the America’s Health Rankings, with just 55.6% of adults reporting a dental visit in the past year. Based on data from a 2024 Arkansas Department of Health report, among adults ages 65 and older, 21.9% have lost all of their natural teeth, which is nearly double the national average. In children, 17.7% of third graders are affected by untreated tooth decay.
While the law drew some opposition due to its $22 million projected impact on the Medicaid budget, supporters argue it’s a critical investment in public health. They hope the rate increases will attract more providers and improve outcomes for the state’s most vulnerable populations. Click here to read more.
