Medicaid ensures 80 million Americans, and over 500,000 West Virginians, have access to health care. Importantly, Medicaid is also a core source of oral health care coverage for families across the country, which is critical to ensuring overall health and well-being.
Everything Medicaid is under attack and many of the greatest health achievements in the last 15 years are about to be rolled back.
Medicaid is a critical lifeline to dental care for people with disabilities, kids and families with low incomes. Children enrolled in Medicaid have guaranteed, comprehensive dental benefits and Medicaid dental benefits are a significant driver of access to dental care for low-income working-age adults and seniors. Medicaid dental coverage also improves oral health outcomes for adults and children alike.
Additionally, Medicaid dental benefits are a driver of economic health for individuals and states. Adults with Medicaid dental coverage spend less out-of-pocket on dental care, helping them avoid medical debt and freeing up resources to meet their basic needs and engage in their local economy. For many adults, being able to afford dental care could be the key to getting a new job or advancing in their current one. When adults have Medicaid dental coverage, their job prospects and job performance improve. And adults with good oral health have more job opportunities. The improved oral health associated with Medicaid dental benefits could save states at least $273 million per year. Medicaid cuts will harm oral health.
Source: Medicaid matters for oral health / West Virginia Watch