"Medicaid Expansion: Improving Dental Care for the Poorest Residents in Many States"

Several states, including Tennessee, Kentucky, Michigan, Maryland, New Hampshire, and Hawaii, have expanded their Medicaid programs this year to provide dental coverage for low-income adults. Medicaid, the federal and state health insurance program for the poor, previously only required states to provide dental coverage for children. However, recognizing the economic and health costs of poor dental health, as well as the availability of federal pandemic funds, these states have taken steps to address the issue. Despite the expansion, access to dental care remains challenging in many areas, with limited participation from dentists and low reimbursement rates. The expansion of dental coverage is seen as crucial for improving overall health outcomes and employment prospects for low-income individuals.