CareQuest Institute Raises Alarm Over Medicaid Cuts That Threaten Dental Access

Final budget reconciliation bill includes significant changes and cuts to the Medicaid program that will be detrimental to oral health access in America

BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--CareQuest Institute for Oral Health, a leading national nonprofit focused on creating a more accessible, equitable, and integrated oral health system, today issued a statement regarding the passage of a tax and spending package that includes significant changes and deep funding cuts to the Medicaid program which may result in nearly 12 million people losing access to coverage.

CareQuest Institute Senior Director of Public Policy Melissa Burroughs issued the following statement:

“The passage of this legislation marks a dangerous setback for Medicaid and the millions of people who rely on it for essential health care, which includes oral health. Deep cuts to Medicaid funding, new work requirements, and caps on the mechanisms that states use to fund the program threaten to drastically reduce access to care across the country.

"This bill will make it harder for millions of families to afford dental care, for adults to manage chronic conditions tied to oral health, and for children and families in rural and low-income areas to find providers who can accept Medicaid or keep their doors open at all. History tells us that when states are forced to cut dental benefits, the damage can take years to undo–and often results in higher costs and overcrowded emergency rooms.

"At a time when we should be improving access to prevention and care, this bill moves in the wrong direction. We urge Congress to prioritize policies that protect and strengthen access to oral health care–not dismantle it.”

About CareQuest Institute for Oral Health®
CareQuest Institute for Oral Health® is a national nonprofit championing a more equitable future where every person 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 our leadership in dental benefits and innovation advancements. We collaborate with thought leaders, health care providers, patients, and local, state, and federal stakeholders, to accelerate oral health care transformation and create a system designed for everyone. To learn more, visit carequest.org and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.