Lessons from Six States
The Medicaid cuts Congress is debating are likely to force states to reduce or eliminate Medicaid adult dental benefits (MADBs). This publication, co-authored by CareQuest Institute, Community Catalyst, and Families USA, examines lessons and consequences from six states that have eliminated MADBs in the past.
Key Lessons Learned
- In Oregon, California, Maryland, and Pennsylvania, eliminating MADBs led to increased dental ER visits and increased costs of care overall because an ER visit costs three times more than a dental visit.
- In Missouri, California, and Massachusetts, MADB cuts shifted costs to Community Health Centers, straining their capacity and financial stability.
- In Massachusetts, private practice dentists experienced a drop in revenue because they had provided the majority of dental care for adults with Medicaid.
More than 72 million people rely on Medicaid for their health care. and it is a critical lifeline to dental care for people with disabilities, children, older adults, and families with low incomes.
The authors write:
As Congress considers changes to federal Medicaid spending, the experiences from these six states offer a powerful warning: reducing or eliminating MADBs is a short-sighted decision that harms patients, burdens health systems, and ultimately costs more in the long run.”
