CA-OPEN Sign Ons Needed: Federal Bill to Permanently Add Dental Benefits to Medicaid

July 21, 2021

Putting the needs of older adults in California, and nation-wide, is a priority for us here at The Gary and Mary West Senior Dental Center. We believe that it is essential that all adults who rely on Medicaid for their health care, are able to receive the comprehensive dental coverage they need. Poor oral health not only hinders a person’s overall health, but it also jeopardizes their employability and financial security. By ensuring Medicaid dental coverage for adults, we are contributing to advancing racial and economic equity; supporting employment and economic growth; improving people’s overall health; and protecting our health care resources.

For these reasons, The Gary and Mary West Senior Dental Center has signed on in support of the Medicaid Dental Benefit Act, which advocates for permanently adding dental benefits to Medicaid. We encourage other organizations to sign-on to show that the bill has widespread community support. To add your organization’s name as a supporter please click here.

At a Glance

The Medicaid Dental Benefit Act is a bill that will be introduced very soon to Congress by Congresswoman Nanette Barragán (D-CA 44th District). The Medicaid Dental Benefit Act would:

• Make adult dental services a mandatory coverage category for all adults in Medicaid.
• Establish a more comprehensive definition of Medicaid dental services for adults to ensure that everyone gets the care they need.
• Increase Federal matching funds (FMAP) for Medicaid dental services.
• Establish oral health quality and equity measures for the adult population.
• Provide funding for culturally competent and linguistically appropriate provider education & outreach efforts to better connect enrollees to oral health care.

To read the full support letter please click here. If you have any questions, please reach out to Carolina Valle at cvalle@cpehn.org.

Thank you,

The Senior Dental Center Team