Alabama dentists have asked legislators to provide emergency funding as they lose money on Medicaid services, al.com reported Feb. 25. 

The American Dental Association is urging CMS to strengthen dental Medicare Advantage protections, including increased oversight of supplemental dental benefits, according to a Feb. 21 news release from the ADA. 

Some dental practice owners and DSO executives are concerned with the possibility of cuts to the federal Medicaid budget, which they say could threaten dental care accessibility, practice revenue and the workforce.

An article from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health outlined the shortfalls of public dental insurance and offered potential improvements.

The California Dental Association has sponsored multiple bills related to assignment of benefits, network adequacy and virtual credit cards, according to a Feb. 20 news release from the CDA. 

Here are six updates regarding Medicaid and Medicare for dentists to know:

A budget resolution passed by the GOP-led House Budget Committee sets the stage for cuts to several safety net programs, including Medicaid.

We are entering a new year, and with it, the realities around how patients access and finance their dental care continue to evolve.

California State Assembly member Mia Bonta introduced legislation Jan. 29 that would require Medi-Cal and private insurers to cover fluoride varnish for patients under 21 years old, The Sacramento Bee reported Jan. 31. 

The National Association of Dental Plans Foundation recently awarded grants to three organizations dedicated to improving access to oral healthcare.

The Connecticut State Dental Association has urged Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont to increase Medicaid reimbursement rates, according to a Jan. 24 report from Inside Investigator.

Washington legislators are considering a bill that would impose more requirements for dental insurers in the state. 

Starting July 1, dentists enrolled in Medicare will need to add an administrative modifier code to each procedure code on the ADA dental claim form, according to a Jan. 14 news release from the American Dental Association.

Here are 20 updates to know on dental Medicaid and Medicare that Becker's reported on in 2024:

A study conducted by researchers at Mass General Brigham uncovered that less than 10% of Medicare Advantage plans offered a dental benefit that met quality standards, according to a Dec. 26 news release. 

Washington state Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler has fined Delta Dental of Washington and its healthcare benefit manager $130,000 for improper claim denials, according to a Dec. 12 news release from the commissioner's office.

The Alabama Dental Association has launched a campaign advocating for dental insurance reform legislation, including a medical loss ratio, according to a Dec. 11 report by WSFA 12.

The end of the Public Health Emergency in 2023 has led to a decrease in enrollment for dental benefits, according to the 2024 Dental Benefits Report from the National Association of Dental Plans.

Pennsylvania State Senate Democratic leader Jay Costa announced plans to reintroduce a bill that would restore dental care coverage for Medicare beneficiaries.

The American Dental Association submitted comments on the proposed Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters for 2026, according to a Nov. 15 news release from the ADA.