Millions of Americans endure pain and shame because they can’t afford dental care.
The issue is particularly pronounced in rural areas, as emphasized by a recent report by National Public Radio.
People in rural areas are not only more likely to lack the jobs that connect them todental insurance or the money to pay for basic treatment, but they are less likely to drink water that contains fluoride and less likely to live near a dentist. Dentists in rural areas often don’t accept Medicaid, NPR reports.
“You’ve got a double whammy if you’re on Medicaid and you’re living in a rural area,”Jane Koppelman, research director for the Pew Charitable Trusts’ dental campaign, told NPR.
Source: Medicaid is hit or miss on dental care | BenefitsPRO