Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz signed the 2023 Health and Human Service omnibus bill, which expands dental care for adults on Medicaid.
Starting in 2024, all adult beneficiaries of Medicaid will receive comprehensive dental coverage regardless of age, according to a May 24 news release from the Minnesota Dental Association.
Minnesota's Medicaid program has not provided comprehensive dental care for adults since 2009, when budget cuts reduced the program's reach.
The expanded benefits will also cut down on trips to the emergency room for dental care. Costs for non-traumatic dental care trips to the emergency room are estimated at $22 million per year.
The Minnesota Dental Association previously sought expansion of dental benefits in 2020 and 2022, the release said.