Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has proposed $243 million be added to her annual budget to expand dental coverage to adult Medicaid recipients, Michigan Radio reported Feb. 13.
The proposal would increase reimbursement rates, intended as an incentive for dentists to accept more low-income patients.
Through the Healthy Kids dental program, full coverage is available for residents under 21 who are low-income and Medicaid-eligible. The governor's proposal would create a similar program for residents above the age of 21.
"This is something that is really important to the overall health of Michiganders," said Deborah Brown, DMD, CEO of My Community Dental Centers. "It's a long time coming. And if the legislature and the governor are able to push this through, it's going to be a really huge win for not only the oral health of Michiganders, but the overall health of Michiganders."