After a marathon of negotiations a supplemental budget was approved by the state legislature on Wednesday. The good news is that the budget protects dental coverage for low-income pregnant women, seniors in nursing homes and people with developmental disabilities. This decision by the legislature to support funding for dental coverage reflects in part an increased…
A new report by the Pew Center on the States estimates that preventable dental conditions were the primary diagnosis in 830,590 visits to emergency rooms nationwide in 2009. In most cases, care delivered in the ER will not provide lasting relief. Instead, patients need dental care to effectively treat toothaches and dental abscesses. Without access to…
Dr. Eve Rutherford, an Arcora Foundation board member, was recently interviewed by KMPS radio reporter Stephen Kilbreath. Dr. Rutherford is a dentist and strong advocate for dental care for vulnerable populations. In the interview, Dr. Rutherford emphasizes the value of dental care, especially for low-income Washingtonians — including pregnant women — and potential cuts to…
With the release of the Senate budget Tuesday, both Houses of the state Legislature are proposing to continue funding dental coverage for low-income pregnant women, seniors in nursing homes and people with developmental disabilities. This coverage was eliminated in Gov. Gregoire’s proposed supplemental budget. Decisions by legislators to preserve dental coverage reflect increased recognition that…
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…
At Have a Heart for Kids Day last week, more than 200 parents, children and advocates delivered a powerful message to Washington state legislators: Preserve vital programs for kids and families when you balance the budget. A morning rain stopped as children raised banners, hoisted signs declaring “Kids Not Cuts” and then led the rally…
Why is Washington’s coverage of dental care for low-income pregnant women so important? When a mother struggles with dental disease, her child has a far higher risk of developing dental decay, research suggests. “Children whose mothers exhibit poor oral health are five times more likely to have oral health problems themselves than children whose mothers…
Ads spotlighting the importance of dental care for pregnant women and other vulnerable people. Ads are now running on radio stations and news sites in the Puget Sound area and in Spokane about the importance of funding dental care for vulnerable people in Washington. The Governor’s proposed budget would eliminate non-emergency dental care for many…
The Governor’s proposed supplemental budget eliminates all non-emergency dental care for eligible Medicaid-insured adults ($8.6 million). Pregnant women enrolled in Medicaid would lose dental coverage. Poor oral health can lead to complications with pregnancy. In addition, mothers can pass the bacteria that cause dental disease to their babies. Nearly half of all births in Washington…
Washington legislators could take Medicaid dental benefits away from more than 30,000 low-income pregnant women later this month as part of a plan to balance the state budget, a decision that could lead to even higher dental costs in the future and poorer health for mothers and their children. The state Legislature will consider a…
Oral Health Watch
18h
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
18h
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
18h
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
1d
#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
1d
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
1d
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/