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
5 hours ago
Poor oral health can affect more than teeth. Pain, missing teeth, or untreated oral disease can make it harder to eat, speak, smile, work, learn, and connect with others. That’s why access to dental care matters. Everyone deserves the opportunity to experience the confidence, comfort, and overall... well-being that come with good oral health. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
1 days ago
Surveys show nearly one-third of kids brush their teeth less than twice a day. That’s why community water fluoridation matters. It provides an added layer of cavity protection even when kids don’t always follow their dentist’s advice. Because every kid deserves a healthy smile. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
2 days ago
Keep cool, stay hydrated, and reach for water throughout the day. And when it’s fluoridated? Even better because community water fluoridation helps protect teeth from cavities while keeping you refreshed. Drink water. Protect your smile. 💧🦷 #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
3 days ago
June is Oral Health Month — a reminder that oral health is essential to overall health, well-being and quality of life. Access to preventive care, daily habits and community health measures like water fluoridation all play an important role in helping people avoid needless pain, missed school or ...work, and costly treatment.
#OralHealthMonth #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
4 days ago
This summer, reach for water first to stay hydrated. Choosing water over sugary drinks is a simple way to support overall health, energy and oral health. And when that water is fluoridated? Even better because fluoridated water helps protect teeth from cavities, making it one of the easiest ways to... support healthy smiles for people of all ages. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
1 weeks ago
Today, we recognize Juneteenth - a day of freedom, reflection, and resilience. May we honor the history of this day by continuing to learn, listen, and work toward a more just and equitable future for all.
Oral Health Watch
1 weeks ago
Summer days tend to be less structured as routines shift away from fixed wake-up times and school hours. Don't forget to include a good oral health routine in your summer schedule. This includes regular brushing with a fluoride toothpaste, flossing, and hydrating with water (fluoridated is ...best) instead of sugary drinks. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
1 weeks ago
Preventive oral health care matters for children, families and workplaces. Nearly half of working parents report missing work because of their children’s oral health issues. When kids have access to preventive care, we can help reduce needless pain, avoid costly treatment and keep families from ...having to choose between a paycheck and their child’s health. Oral health is health. Prevention matters. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
1 weeks ago
Every child deserves the opportunity to thrive. That includes access to preventive dental care and proven community health measures like water fluoridation. Protecting oral health early helps kids stay healthy, learn, and grow.
#teethmatter