Dentists in Michigan are asking lawmakers to improve conditions under the state's Medicaid program to fix what they are calling a "crisis" situation, NPR affiliate Michigan Radio reported June 15.
Five things to know:
1. Dentists in the state say Medicaid patients are suffering due to coverage limitations under the program and a lack of access to care. They are asking state government officials to address the situation in its ongoing budget negotiations.
2. Michael Campeau, DDS, told the radio station the state's Medicaid program only pays between 20 percent to 25 percent of a private practice's standard fees for services and that the reimbursement rates have not increased in nearly 30 years. He also said the program does not cover many services, including gum disease treatment.
3. The low reimbursements are leading dentists to not accept Medicaid, making it harder for patients to find care.
4. The radio station said it is estimated that more than 1.5 million state residents have inadequate access to dental care.
5. Ellen Sugrue Hyman, executive director of the Michigan Oral Health Coalition, said the budget negotiations are an opportunity for the state to invest in the oral health of its residents before the problem worsens.