Medicaid Dental Cuts Put Patient Health at Risk
A new study warns that eliminating adult Medicaid dental benefits could increase emergency department visits, drive up healthcare costs, and worsen patient outcomes. Dental professionals are urged to advocate for preserving these essential services to protect vulnerable populations.
A recent study from the American Dental Association reveals that cutting adult Medicaid dental benefits could have serious consequences for both patients and healthcare systems. The analysis highlights that without access to preventive and routine dental care, many Medicaid recipients are likely to delay treatment until oral health issues become severe, resulting in costly emergency department visits. The study found that states that previously reduced Medicaid dental benefits experienced a surge in emergency department visits for preventable dental conditions — driving up costs without improving patient outcomes.
For dental professionals, this underscores the critical role of advocacy in protecting access to care. By educating policymakers on the long-term value of preventive dentistry, dentists and dental hygienists can help ensure patients receive the care they need before emergencies arise. Protecting Medicaid dental benefits is not only a matter of financial responsibility but also a vital step in improving public health outcomes. Click here to read more.
