The Minnesota Dental Association (MDA) successfully led a legislative effort to expand the adult dental Medicaid benefit set.
The legislation, included in the 2023 Health and Human Services Omnibus, was signed by Governor Walz today.
For the first time since 2009, Minnesota’s most vulnerable residents, including low-income individuals, people with disabilities, and seniors, will have comprehensive dental benefits.
All Medicaid recipients in Minnesota will receive comprehensive adult dental benefits starting in 2024, regardless of age.
In addition to providing essential dental benefits, this legislation will help to reduce unnecessary visits to our state’s emergency rooms for basic dental care. Emergency room costs for non-traumatic dental care are estimated at $22 million per year.
The Minnesota Dental Association, through the HelpMNSmile campaign, initially sought the expansion of the adult dental Medicaid benefit set in 2020 and 2022. The 2023 bill, sponsored by Representative Robert Bierman (DFL – Apple Valley) and Senator Liz Boldon (DFL – Rochester), was included in Governor Walz’s Budget Proposal.