Dentists and state health director urge continuation of Wyoming Medicaid dental funding
November 08, 2025 | Appropriations, Joint & Standing, Committees, Legislative, Wyoming
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Nick Agopian, representing the Wyoming Dental Association, told the Appropriations Committee's Department of Health subcommittee that the state's Medicaid dental program served 29,323 Wyoming residents in 2024 and that the program's total cost that year was about $15,000,000.
"It's my understanding in 2024 that total cost was $15,000,000 and with that $15,000,000 they provided services to 29,323 citizens of Wyoming," Agopian said, adding that the state used ARPA funds to raise provider payment rates by roughly 25 percent in 2023 and that the increase helped keep providers in the program.
Department of Health Director Stefan Johansen confirmed the numbers and the funding structure, saying the dental program largely functions as a 50 percent federal, 50 percent state match and that the recent cost growth reflects emergency rate changes and a subsequent legislative rate increase. "The growth that you see ... is a couple of years ago we came to the legislature with a 25% rate increase request, which was ultimately approved," Johansen said.
Committee members and staff clarified how pediatric and adult dental coverage differ. Staff described early and periodic screening, diagnosis and treatment (EPSDT), the federal Medicaid pathway that generally makes dental services for children mandatory, and noted that many adult dental services are optional and were reduced in prior budget cycles to contain costs. Medicaid staff told the committee some pediatric dental codes are open only to children, and that children may qualify for two cleanings per year while adults typically qualify for one.
Dentists and health officials also discussed provider capacity. Agopian said about 500 Wyoming providers are registered as Medicaid dental providers, and witnesses warned that missed appointments, workforce shortages (hygienists and dental techs) and low reimbursement can still pressure practices and lower access in rural areas.
Why it matters: Dental prevention reduces emergency visits and downstream health problems, witnesses said, and state and federal matching funds mean legislative decisions about state dollars can substantially affect total spending and access.
The committee did not take formal action. Members said they will follow up with the director and staff during budget deliberations and in future subcommittee meetings.
"It's my understanding in 2024 that total cost was $15,000,000 and with that $15,000,000 they provided services to 29,323 citizens of Wyoming," Agopian said, adding that the state used ARPA funds to raise provider payment rates by roughly 25 percent in 2023 and that the increase helped keep providers in the program.
Department of Health Director Stefan Johansen confirmed the numbers and the funding structure, saying the dental program largely functions as a 50 percent federal, 50 percent state match and that the recent cost growth reflects emergency rate changes and a subsequent legislative rate increase. "The growth that you see ... is a couple of years ago we came to the legislature with a 25% rate increase request, which was ultimately approved," Johansen said.
Committee members and staff clarified how pediatric and adult dental coverage differ. Staff described early and periodic screening, diagnosis and treatment (EPSDT), the federal Medicaid pathway that generally makes dental services for children mandatory, and noted that many adult dental services are optional and were reduced in prior budget cycles to contain costs. Medicaid staff told the committee some pediatric dental codes are open only to children, and that children may qualify for two cleanings per year while adults typically qualify for one.
Dentists and health officials also discussed provider capacity. Agopian said about 500 Wyoming providers are registered as Medicaid dental providers, and witnesses warned that missed appointments, workforce shortages (hygienists and dental techs) and low reimbursement can still pressure practices and lower access in rural areas.
Why it matters: Dental prevention reduces emergency visits and downstream health problems, witnesses said, and state and federal matching funds mean legislative decisions about state dollars can substantially affect total spending and access.
The committee did not take formal action. Members said they will follow up with the director and staff during budget deliberations and in future subcommittee meetings.
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