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Advocates press Human Services Committee to expand Medicaid dental benefits, remove $1,000 adult cap
Summary
Hospital, dental and community health witnesses told the Human Services Committee that expanding adult Medicaid dental coverage — including a second annual cleaning, periodontal care and changes to FQHC/mobile dental payment rules — would improve health outcomes and reduce emergency costs.
Multiple dental providers, public‑health researchers and community advocates urged the Human Services Committee on Feb. 20 to expand adult Medicaid dental coverage (Senate Bill 12 99) and to revise payment rules so school‑based and mobile dental programs are financially viable. Witnesses said a limited adult benefit — one cleaning a year and a $1,000 annual cap on services — forces many patients to postpone care until they stall into emergencies, with correspondingly higher costs and worse health outcomes.
Speakers included clinical specialists, the Connecticut State Dental Association, community health centers and the Connecticut Oral Health Initiative. Testimony cited national and state research linking periodontal disease to diabetes, heart disease and…
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