The potential consequences of eliminating the adult Medicaid dental benefit are highlighted in a research brief the ADA Health Policy Institute released March 21.
Several committees in the House of Representatives have proposed reduced federal spending for Medicaid, including the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage given to states that expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. But reducing federal aid to state Medicaid programs would cause states to face considerable budgetary challenges to keep Medicaid beneficiaries enrolled and provided with the same level of services, according to the brief.
“The adult dental Medicaid benefit would be particularly vulnerable to reimbursement, service and eligibility cuts under these circumstances,” said the brief authors, Deesha Bhaumik, Ph.D.; Ian Hedges, M.S.; Matthew Zaborowski, M.P.H., C.P.H.; Marko Vujicic, Ph.D.
Source: What happens if the adult Medicaid dental benefit goes away? / ADA News