Although it appears that Missouri lawmakers will not expand Medicaid coverage this legislative session, the General Assembly passed a bipartisan measure on May 8 to restore some adult dental Medicaid coverage.
Dental coverage for adults on Medicaid was cut from the state budget nearly a decade ago during Gov. Matt Blunt’s administration, and emergency rooms around the state were left to deal with the influx of poor people who were in pain and could not afford to see a dentist.
“This is really a big deal for our Medicaid population to be able to get adult dental care,” said state Senator Rob Schaaf (R-34), a physician who represents Buchanan and Platte counties in northwest Missouri.
“We haven’t been able to do this before and it’s really hurt a lot of people, not having dental coverage, because they get some kind of a dental problem and that affects their health otherwise.”
The measure, which was not in Gov. Jay Nixon’s budget, is a major shift by the Republican super-majority in the legislature, which has targeted most so-called “entitlement” public programs.
The $48.2 million measure, contained in HB 2011, is part of Missouri’s annual budget bill that is on the governor’s desk. If approved, it would go into effect July 1.
“I think the total cost will be less than $48 million, because by helping them with the dental care, that will save in other areas,” Schaaf said.
Currently the state’s Medicaid program covers children’s dental care and limits adult dental services to persons who are blind, disabled or pregnant.
“This is a significant step in the right direction for improving both the oral and overall health of Missourians who struggle to afford dental care,” said Dr. Merle Nunemaker, president of the Missouri Dental Association.
“The entire legislature is to be commended for recognizing both the likely improvements in oral health for adult Medicaid enrollees and the potential cost savings to the state by providing funding for adults to receive dental care under Medicaid.”
At a massive free dental services event held recently at Chaifetz Area, more than a thousand people lined up around the building to get free extractions, fillings and other services.
“This proposal could go a long way to improve the health of Missourians who haven’t been able to see a dentist in years,” said Dr. Craig Hollander, president-elect, Greater St. Louis Dental Society. “Oral health is connected to overall health.”
