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 in next year’s legislative session, it would shift the state’s focus from expensive treatment to more cost-effective preventive care and improve hundreds of thousands of lives. Community health centers and other dental clinics could provide the routine, preventive care necessary to help patients avoid the severe problems that lead them to costly emergency rooms.
Read the full press release (PDF) for more details about how Washington’s emergency room physicians are coping with the problem and what they say about how the state could save money by paying for Medicaid dental benefits for low-income adults.
Oral Health Watch
1 hours ago
Good oral health care habits like brushing and flossing regularly and preventive public health measures like community water fluoridation are your best protection against cavities and tooth decay. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
1 hours ago
Good oral health care habits like brushing and flossing regularly and preventive public health measures like community water fluoridation are your best protection against cavities and tooth decay. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
4 hours ago
Good oral health care habits like brushing and flossing regularly and preventive public health measures like community water fluoridation are your best protection against cavities and tooth decay. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
3 days ago
Every child deserves to enjoy the benefits of good oral health. Community water fluoridation, sealants, fluoride varnishes and access to routine preventive care can help keep kids cavity-free and set them on a lifelong path of good oral health. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
3 days ago
Every child deserves to enjoy the benefits of good oral health. Community water fluoridation, sealants, fluoride varnishes and access to routine preventive care can help keep kids cavity-free and set them on a lifelong path of good oral health. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
3 days ago
👇💯Water fluoridation helps protect everyone's teeth against cavity-causing germs regardless of age and income level. #teethmatter