More than 450,000 low-income adults in Washington no longer have dental coverage because of budget cuts made in 2011. These people need your help. Watch the video, then use the easy form to send a message to legislators urging them to restore dental coverage for low-income adults. Dental care improves health, saves money — and…
The revenue forecast has been released and legislators are putting together their preliminary budgets. Now is the time to send a message to legislators: Click here for a simple tool to find your legislators and urge them to restore dental coverage for low-income adults. More than 450,000 Medicaid-eligible adults lost dental coverage due to state budget cuts…
As the legislative session continues, the drumbeat of support for adult dental benefits grows. Today the Tacoma News Tribune editorial board came out in support of the Legislature restoring dental coverage for 450,000 low-income adults. According to the TNT, “it’s now time to reverse” the “penny-wise decision” of legislators in 2011 to get rid of…
Focus on the necessity of the Legislature to restore dental coverage for low-income adults continues to increase all over the state. The Bellingham Herald carried a long and compelling local article this past weekend describing the pain and other impacts on people who lost dental coverage due to state budget cutbacks in 2011. In the…
KING 5 in Seattle recently aired a story on the consequences of the Legislature’s decision to eliminate dental care for low-income adults. State funding for dental care was cut in 2011 and as a result more than 450,000 low-income adults in our state are denied the dental care they need to remain healthy. The KING…
A recent report on emergency room use from the Washington Health Care Authority is receiving a lot of media attention. According to the report, an initiative to reduce “unnecessary” emergency room visits is on track to generate savings of up to $31 million per year. The Seattle Times article notes that helping Medicaid patients avoid…
Awareness is growing across Washington of the plight of uninsured dental patients and the need for the Legislature to restore dental benefits for Medicaid-eligible adults in the legislative session that started this week. The decision by state lawmakers in 2011 to eliminate dental coverage for most low-income adults left 450,000 people without dental insurance. Many…
The Washington Legislature’s decision two years ago to eliminate non-emergency dental benefits for nearly 450,000 adults helped balance the budget. But it was a costly decision because the uninsured often turn to already overburdened emergency rooms, creating costs that are passed on to taxpayers and other healthcare consumers. If state lawmakers restore the dental benefits…
The American Diabetes Association of Washington and Arcora Foundation are teaming up on a statewide ad campaign to emphasize the importance of oral health for people with diabetes. There are more than 400,000 people with diabetes in Washington and nearly one million more have prediabetes. The goal of the ad campaign is to raise awareness…
A recent op-ed in the Everett Herald explores what happens when children and adults do not have adequate access to dental care. University of Washington physician Jo Jackson and Snohomish dentist Eve Rutherford write that Washington can’t afford to avoid paying for dental care for Medicaid-insured adults. “Poor oral health is expensive for families, for…
Oral Health Watch
2 hours ago
Children learn good oral health habits primarily from parents and caregivers. Investing in dental care access for adults helps parents lead by example, creating a lasting positive impact on the entire family's approach to oral health. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
3 hours ago
Health equity begins with addressing the gaps and barriers that prevent people from accessing the care they need. For Spokane-area residents, check out the Maji Rising Healthcare Block Party. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
21 hours ago
Children who experience multiple cavities are at a higher risk of developing future cavities as adults. State investments that expand access to preventive and restorative oral health help set children on a healthy path into adulthood. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
1 days ago
Children who experience multiple cavities are at a higher risk of developing future cavities as adults. State investments that expand access to preventive and restorative oral health help set children on a healthy path into adulthood. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
2 days ago
Community water fluoridation is a universal, cost effective way to protect teeth against cavity-causing germs. And it is especially beneficial among populations that disproportionately face barriers to accessing regular oral health care, including children, senior citizens, lower-income households ...and communities of color. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
2 days ago
Community water fluoridation is a universal, cost effective way to protect teeth against cavity-causing germs. And it is especially beneficial among populations that disproportionately face barriers to accessing regular oral health care, including children, senior citizens, lower-income households ...and communities of color. #teethmatter