While Medicaid programs are required to cover dental services for children and youth under age 21, they are not required to do so for adults. Poor oral health is widespread among adults in the United States and especially affects those with low incomes. Individuals with a range of chronic conditions are more susceptible to oral disease, which can exacerbate chronic disease symptoms. Poor oral health can limit communication, social interaction, and employability.
This issue brief examines dental benefits for adults enrolled in Medicaid. It includes a summary of findings from the Compendium: State Medicaid Fee-for-Service Adult Dental Services Coverage Policies and some of the changes states have made in the last few years.
Past experience shows that states often reduce or eliminate these benefits when there is a state budget shortfall. MACPAC expects that states may revise their coverage and payment policies for adult dental services in 2021 in response to the economic downturn.
