The proposed House supplemental budget protects many essential programs that provide dental coverage to vulnerable populations. Thanks in part to the efforts of Citizens’ Watch coalition and grassroots support statewide, there is a growing awareness that oral health is a critical part of overall health.
The House budget released today in Olympia maintains funding for dental coverage provided to low-income pregnant women, seniors in nursing homes and people with developmental disabilities. This coverage was eliminated in the Governor’s proposed supplemental budget.
In addition, the House budget maintains funding for the Volunteer/Retired Provider Program that provides malpractice insurance for thousand of dentists, hygienists and other healthcare workers who volunteer their services. It also protects funding for other programs that benefit the oral health of low-income people including funding for Community Health Centers and the Basic Health Plan (see table below).
The Senate budget will be out soon, and hopefully it also will protect the oral health for vulnerable people by funding dental coverage.
Please continue to spread the word that dental disease prevention is a smart investment because it saves money and improves health. We appreciate your support.
Proposed House Supplemental Budget
|
Oral health program |
Status – 2012 session Current proposal underlined |
| Medicaid dental coverage for pregnant women, people in long-term care and with developmental disabilities (DECOD program) | Governor’s budget: Eliminates coverageHouse budget: Protected |
| Community Health Centers, including retention of the Basic Health Plan | Governor’s budget: Eliminates basic healthHouse: Protected |
| Volunteer/Retired Provider (VRP) Program | Governor’s budget: Eliminates VRP programHouse: Protected |
| Interpreter services | Governor’s budget: Eliminates interpreter servicesHouse: Protected |
Oral Health Watch
2 days ago
Painful tooth decay and gum disease don't have to be a part of growing up. Preventive measures like water fluoridation and access to oral health care can help prevent cavities so kids can grow up cavity-free and enjoy the benefits of good oral health. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
3 days ago
Painful tooth decay and gum disease don't have to be a part of growing up. Preventive measures like water fluoridation and access to oral health care can help prevent cavities so kids can grow up cavity-free and enjoy the benefits of good oral health. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
3 days ago
Tooth loss, visible decay, and bad breath can negatively impact productivity and employment opportunities - especially for customer-facing jobs. Supporting programs that expand access to preventive and restorative oral health care is a wise investment that benefits individuals, households, ...community health, and our economy. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
3 days ago
Tooth loss, visible decay, and bad breath can negatively impact productivity and employment opportunities - especially for customer-facing jobs. Supporting programs that expand access to preventive and restorative oral health care is a wise investment that benefits individuals, households, ...community health, and our economy. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
4 days ago
Oral health IS health. Dental coverage IS health coverage. It's time to return the mouth back to the body. Untreated cavities, gum infections, and oral disease can negatively affect overall health and well-being, leading to chronic disease complications, higher health care costs, and needless ...suffering. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
4 days ago
Oral health IS health. Dental coverage IS health coverage. It's time to return the mouth back to the body. Untreated cavities, gum infections, and oral disease can negatively affect overall health and well-being, leading to chronic disease complications, higher health care costs, and needless ...suffering. #teethmatter