Lawmakers in Pennsylvania are continuing efforts to restore the state's adult Medicaid services after they were eliminated over a decade ago, Spotlight PA reported Sept. 13.
Five notes:
1. The state's Medicaid program previously covered services such as root canals and emergency exams, but now does not cover much beyond routine care.
2. The state cut back most of its adult dental services in 2011 in an effort to save an estimated $18.9 million in its annual budget.
3. Healthcare advocates argue that the elimination harmed patients and led to increased medical spending in other areas, such as adults seeking care in emergency rooms.
4. The Pennsylvania Coalition for Oral Health has previously estimated that dental-related emergency room visits cost the state more than $35 million each year.
5. A House bill was approved last year to restore the services as long as funding from the state and federal government can be secured. That bill has not yet reached the state Senate.