With growing concern over poor dental health, six states in the U.S. expanded their Medicaid programs to provide coverage for adults this year.
Medicaid is a federal and state health insurance program that has previously only been providing dental coverage only for children. Even with the expansions, access still remains difficult as some dentists are refusing to treat Medicaid patients.
The National Post reported, “Dr. Victor Wu, the chief medical officer for Tennessee’s Medicaid program, said he was pleased with the rollout of Medicaid dental benefits that started in January, but he acknowledges the state needs to build out its network and increase the participation rate among dentists.”
