Oral Health IS Health
We believe that oral health is health and dental coverage is health coverage at Oral Health Watch. What happens in the mouth affects a person’s overall health and general wellbeing. Bacterial infections that cause cavities and gum disease can lead to serious medical complications, pain and needless suffering. Throbbing toothaches, visible decay and tooth loss also can impact employment opportunities, school attendance, nutrition, self-esteem and how people relate to you.
Unfortunately, the impacts of dental disease and poor oral health disproportionately affect our lower-income, BIPOC, and underserved and rural neighbors. Programs like Apple Health Adult Dental, Access to Baby and Child Dentistry and DentistLink are wise investments that connect Washington residents to dental care. The global COVID-19 pandemic has made clear that health care is a necessity – and that includes comprehensive dental care coverage.
Oral Health Watch advocates for programs and policies that promote good oral health because oral health is essential to overall health and prevention is preferable to treating disease. No one should be burdened with avoidable dental pain, and everyone deserves to enjoy the benefits of good oral health.
Oral Health Watch
2d
Happy 56th birthday #Medicaid and #Medicare. Washington state is fortunate that its Medicaid program, Apple Health, provides dental coverage for both children and adults. But it's not necessarily the same situation for adults in other parts of the US. It's time for national #Medicaid and ...#Medicare policy to recognize that oral health IS health and dental coverage IS health coverage. #Medicaid56 #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
2d
Happy 56th birthday #Medicaid and #Medicare. Washington state is fortunate that its Medicaid program, Apple Health, provides dental coverage for both children and adults. But it's not necessarily the same situation for adults in other parts of the US. It's time for #Medicare and #Medicaid... policy to recognize that oral health IS health and dental coverage IS health coverage. #Medicaid56 #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
2d
Happy birthday #Medicaid & #Medicare. While Medicaid requires dental coverage for kids, it's not the case for adults. It's time for #Medicare & #Medicaid policy to recognize that oral health IS health & dental coverage IS health coverage. #Medicaid56 #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
3d
#DYK that #Medicaid provides comprehensive coverage and financial protection for millions of Americans, most of whom are working families, including 2,073,104 children and adults in Washington state? #Medicaid56 #UniteForHealthCare #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
3d
July 30th marks the 56th anniversary of #Medicare and #Medicaid. Since 1965, Medicaid has helped lower-income families & working adults throughout the US access vital oral health and medical care. #teethmatter #Medicaid56 #UniteForHealthCare
Oral Health Watch
3d
WA state #Medicaid includes dental coverage for both children & adults. But that's not the case in all states. Why is that when we know the untreated oral disease can have devastating impacts on health, employability & quality of life? #UniteForHealthCare ...https://www.kff.org/medicaid/issue-brief/access-to-dental-care-in-medicaid-spotlight-on-nonelderly-adults/