According to information that NBC News obtained exclusively, more than 14 million persons who receive Medicaid around the country now face losing their dental health coverage as the Covid public health emergency is over as of April 1.
In recent years, there has been a concerning trend of individuals losing access to dental coverage through Medicaid. This is a significant issue as oral health is an essential aspect of overall health, and lack of access to dental care can lead to a range of problems.
The reasons for this trend are multifaceted. One contributing factor is budget cuts to Medicaid programs. Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that provides health care coverage for low-income individuals and families. States have the ability to choose which benefits to cover, and some have decided to reduce or eliminate dental coverage to save costs.
Another reason for the loss of dental coverage is changes in Medicaid policies. For example, some states have implemented stricter eligibility requirements or reduced the number of covered services. In other cases, states have contracted with managed care organizations that limit the number of dentists available to Medicaid patients.
The consequences of this trend are significant. Poor oral health can lead to a range of health issues, including gum disease, tooth decay, and tooth loss. These problems can then lead to more severe health issues such as heart disease and stroke. Additionally, individuals with poor oral health may experience pain and difficulty eating, which can impact their overall quality of life.
The loss of dental coverage through Medicaid is particularly concerning for children. Dental problems are the most common chronic health issue among children, and children from low-income families are more likely to have untreated dental problems. Without access to dental care, children may experience pain and difficulty eating, which can impact their growth and development.
To address this issue, there needs to be a renewed focus on oral health care and access to dental coverage. This can be achieved through a range of strategies, including increasing funding for Medicaid dental programs, expanding eligibility requirements, and providing incentives for dentists to participate in Medicaid. Additionally, there needs to be increased education and outreach to help individuals understand the importance of oral health and how to access dental care.
What can you do if you lose Medicaid coverage?
The state agency must receive the renewal papers from those who have been dropped within 90 days in order to reinstate them if they are later determined to be eligible. Individuals are permitted to reapply after that point. In most states, if you were qualified and received Medicaid-covered services, your coverage might be made retroactive for up to three months. In addition, check the state Obamacare exchanges. Individuals and families who continue to earn less than $20,000 for an individual and $41,000 for a family of four in 2023 can apply for increased federal help to cut their premiums to as little as $0 per month. This strengthened subsidy is in force until 2025.
Many people with greater incomes may find subsidized policies with extremely low affordable rates. To get the lower rates, plans would usually fall under an HMO instead of a PPO.
In conclusion, the loss of dental coverage through Medicaid is a significant issue that needs to be addressed. Access to dental care is essential for overall health and well-being, and individuals should not be forced to choose between getting the care they need and financial stability. By working to expand access to dental coverage, we can help ensure that everyone has the opportunity to maintain good oral health and live a healthy life.
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