|
At Issue
Medicaid is the nation's largest publicly funded health insurance program. It is the primary source of health care for 50 million low-income children and provides coverage to millions of additional low-income families, the elderly and the disabled. Medicaid is jointly financed by the states and the federal government and is administered by the states. Federal law requires that states offer a set of mandatory benefits and provide coverage for certain populations.
Dental services for children enrolled in Medicaid are regulated through the Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment program (EPSDT). However, states are not required to provide dental services to adults. Unfortunately, access to dental benefits is limited as a result of benefit designs and low reimbursement rates to dentists.
Payment rates for Medicaid dental services typically fall well below the cost of providing treatment. Poor financing ultimately leads to patients’ inability to access oral health care services, which only intensifies the severity of their need for help. Improving financing and program administration will improve access for Medicaid beneficiaries who need assistance.
Return to Top
ADA Priorities
- The ADA urges the Congress to maintain the federal requirement for dental services under EPSDT and extend medically necessary services to Medicaid-eligible adults.
- The ADA urges the Congress to preserve the federal financing role in the Medicaid program and update the federal matching formula to address economic changes.
- The ADA believes preventive dental services should be exempt from cost-sharing requirements.
Return to Top
Letters and Testimony
- February 14, 2008—Statement submitted by the ADA to the House Oversight and Government Reform Subcommittee on Domestic Policy | PDF file/37k
- Testimony by ADA President-elect Mark Feldman with Rep. Albert Wynn (D-Md.) announcing the introduction of “Essential Oral Health Care Act” | PDF file/29k
- May 16, 2005—Letter to HHS Secretary Michael Leavitt nominating Dr. Jane Grover to serve on the Medicaid Commission | PDF file/25k
- May 10, 2005—Letter to HHS Secretary Michael Leavitt supporting the establishment of and urging dental representation on the Medicaid Commission | PDF file/25k
- May 5, 2005—Letter to Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA) supporting a bill to permit local public agencies to act as Medicaid enrollment brokers (H.R. 306) | PDF file/15k
Return to Top
Additional Resources
Return to Top
Contact Us
For additional information, please contact:
Federal Affairs
1111 14th Street NW, Suite 1100
Washington, DC 20005
202.898.2400
Fax: 202.898.2437
E-mail: govtpol@ada.org
State Government Affairs
ADA Chicago Headquarters
211 East Chicago Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611
312.440.2525
Fax: 312.440.3539
E-mail: govtpol@ada.org
Return to Top
To view a PDF file, you need Adobe Reader. Click on the logo to download.
|
