New analysis reveals the impact of the Medicaid redetermination process on access to dental care and oral health equity
Boston, April 3, 2024–(BUSINESS WIRE)–A new addition to CareQuest Oral Health Research Institute, the nation's leading nonprofit organization focused on creating a more accessible, equitable, and integrated oral health system. An analysis reveals that 12 million people nationwide have lost Medicaid dental insurance coverage. From April 2023, when the public health emergency (PHE) due to the novel coronavirus infection ends, to September 2023. This figure includes 5.9 million adults and 6.1 million children. According to the analysis, that number will jump to 13.9 million once the data is received by December 31, 2023.
As the national COVID-19 PHE expired, states began conducting eligibility redeterminations and disenrolling individuals determined to be ineligible for their state's Medicaid program. A new report by CareQuest Institute, “An estimated 12 million children and adults lost their Medicaid dental insurance after the COVID-19 public health emergency expired,” finds that nearly 10 million of these adults and children do not re-enroll in dental benefits through the private market. or their employer, and remained without dental insurance after redetermination.
“These data confirm that we have a long way to go to ensure everyone has access to the oral health coverage they need, especially those most marginalized in the current system.” said Mietia Minter Jordan, MD, CEO and President of CareQuest Oral Health Research Institute. MBA. “While insurance coverage alone will not address long-standing oral health and overall health disparities, it provides an important bridge to care that is out of reach for too many people.”
Poor oral health is directly related to a person's overall health, including increased risk for diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, dementia, mental health, and adverse birth outcomes. Regular preventive dental care can save you a lot of money on your overall medical and dental costs. For example, one recent study found that adults with diabetes who were treated for periodontal disease had their overall health care costs reduced by 12 to 14 percent. Additionally, with states struggling with high emergency department costs, access to preventive dental care has been shown to reduce emergency department visits for oral health problems that would be better treated at the dentist's office. Masu.
As community and state organizations support affected Medicaid enrollees during the redetermination process, there is a need to focus on the importance of oral health and help people find new coverage options, including dental benefits. there is. In particular, it is important to act on the newly finalized CMS rule that allows states to add adult dental benefits to the essential health benefits covered by private market plans.
This analysis confirmed an earlier report in April 2023 that predicted more than 14 million people would lose dental insurance during redetermination.
Read the full report and access an interactive map showing impacts by state.
About CareQuest Oral Health Research Institute®
CareQuest Institute for Oral Health® is a national nonprofit organization championing a more just future where all people can reach their full potential through excellent health. We do this through our work in philanthropy, analytics and data insights, health transformation, policy and advocacy, and education, as well as through our leadership in advancing dental interests and innovation. We collaborate with thought leaders, healthcare providers, patients, and local, state, and federal stakeholders to accelerate the transformation of oral health care and create a system designed for everyone. For more information, please visit and follow carequest.org. twitterLinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram.
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