Several states have worked to implement expanded dental benefits under Medicaid in the last few years to improve the oral health of residents and reduce visits to hospital emergency departments.
Here are two states that recently expanded Medicaid dental services and one that rolled them back:
Michigan expanded dental benefits for adult Medicaid beneficiaries and increased reimbursement rates for dental providers. The state invested $85.1 million in reimbursement increases and $30 million in the redesigned benefits. Services covered include X-rays, teeth cleanings, fillings and extractions. Providers are also now being paid at 100 percent of the Average Commercial Rate. The enhanced services went into effect April 1, while the reimbursement increases were added Jan. 1.
Beginning April 1, expanded dental services for adults under Medicaid include X-rays, examinations, cleanings, fillings, limited gum-related treatment, tooth extractions and other oral surgeries. Adults older than 21 on the state's Medicaid program are automatically eligible for the additional benefits.
The Kentucky legislature voted March 29 to override Gov. Andy Beshear's veto of a bill that would halt dental, vision and hearing benefits for adult Medicaid recipients. The governor expanded these benefits in October 2022 to improve recipient wellbeing and workforce participation. The expansion went into effect Jan. 1. Senate Bill 65 declared the expanded benefits were deficient under the state's emergency administrative regulations. Mr. Beshear vetoed Senate Bill 65 March 24, but the state's House and Senate voted to override the veto.