Update on Adult Medicaid Dental Coverage
While
the federal government requires states to provide dental coverage for children, coverage
for adults is optional. A handful of state
legislatures have taken steps this year to implement coverage or increase the
level of coverage offered in their states.
The
Maryland General Assembly has sent legislation to Gov. Larry Hogan
(R) that would require the state’s Medicaid program to provide dental coverage
to adult enrollees. Specifically, the bill requires Medicaid to cover diagnostic,
preventive, restorative and periodontal services to all adults whose annual income
is at or below 133% of the federal poverty level.
A similar proposal is actively being
considered as part of the Gov. Bill Lee’s budget plan in Tennessee. This proposal
could also include up to $94 million in funding for the state’s two dental schools
to help expand class sizes and forgive tuition for students who work in high needs
areas. If both Tennessee and Maryland implement coverage, Alabama would remain
the only state that provides no coverage for adults.
New Hampshire is considering two bills that would increase coverage for adults
enrolled in Medicaid. Currently, the state only provides emergency coverage, but
if either bill is signed into law, the state would contract with dental managed
care organizations to provide coverage for additional services. HB 103 has passed the state’s House
of Representatives, and SB 422 has passed the state’s Senate.
New Hampshire has debated the addition of an adult benefit
for several years, but concerns over funding have prevented implementation.
Finally, Hawaii is considering the restoration of funding that would reinstate
dental benefits that were cut 13 years ago. Hawaii currently limits dental coverage
to emergencies, but if signed into law and if the state receives the maximum federal
matching funds available, the state’s Medicaid program would cover diagnostic,
preventive and restorative services.
