Covering Dental Care for Individuals With Disabilities Provides Positive Long-Term Outcomes

A report conducted by the National Commission on Disability finds that providing coverage for oral healthcare services to individuals with both intellectual and physical disabilities covered by Medicaid offers positive results in the long term on both systemic health and indicators of well-being. The report notes that the cost of providing such benefits on an annual basis is more than $19 million, but that this cost is offset via the savings gained by preventing the need for emergency dental care, which is often provided in a hospital setting. Currently, 12 states do not provide any coverage of dental care for residents insured under Medicaid. Click here to read more.