Put People First! PA recently held a rally calling on legislators to restore adult dental benefits under Medicaid, WHTM reported Sept. 30.
Six things to know:
1. Put People First! PA is a grassroots healthcare advocacy organization.
2. The group held its rally at the state capitol building Sept. 30, where Pennsylvania residents shared the challenges they've faced while not having dental benefits.
3. The state's Medicaid program previously covered certain dental services, but the state cut back most of its adult dental services in 2011 in an effort to save an estimated $18.9 million in its annual budget.
4. Healthcare advocates have previously argued that the elimination harmed patients and led to increased medical spending in other areas, such as adults seeking care in emergency rooms.
5. The state House of Representatives approved HB 1417 last year to restore the services as long as funding from the state and federal government can be secured.
6. The bill was referred to the Senate's Health and Human Services Committee in January.