Update: SB2459: Restores Medicaid Dental Benefits

SB2459 - RELATING TO MEDICAID BENEFITS.

UPDATE:

2/7/2020	S	The committee(s) on CPH recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in CPH were as follows: 4 Aye(s): Senator(s) Baker, S. Chang, Ruderman, L. Thielen; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 3 Excused: Senator(s) Nishihara, Wakai, Fevella.
2/7/2020	S	The committee(s) on HMS recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in HMS were as follows: 3 Aye(s): Senator(s) Ruderman, K. Rhoads, Ihara; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 2 Excused: Senator(s) Riviere, Fevella.

Makes an appropriation to restore certain adult dental benefits to medicaid enrollees.  Requires maximization of federal matching funds.

This enables us to get our mouths fixed for free.  We want to support this bill, so we can all smile again.

 

Photo Credit: Arizona Family Dental - 21 Famous People Who Have Had Cosmetic Dentistry 

Gingivitis Consequences & Treatment

Sadly, gingivitis consequences don’t end with just a simple cavity. Periodontitis spreads to your tissue and bone under your teeth’s visible layer, causing tooth loss. Periodontitis may also lead to premature birth weight, heart attack and more. In fact, it’s linked to systemic diseases like:

Diabetes

Respiratory disease

Rheumatoid arthritis

Coronary artery disease

Stroke

 

Testimony:  Restoring dental benefits to Medicaid insured people would be nothing short of genius in terms of long-term health, economy and productivity.  

Health & Health Costs:  While our overall health conditions increase to reflect better health and welfare of Hawaiʻiʻs residents,  health care costs will inevitably decrease as a result because other health problems could have been prevented while they were only a tooth issue.  

Economy:  Poor dental health often limits job availability to individuals because of professional appearance.  This often results in a heavier population dependence in both the long-term medical conditions as well as social welfare services.  Fixing teeth can only be beneficial to peopleʻs ability to feel confident to go for the better paying jobs and aspire to do such.  

Productivity:  Once people look good, they feel good.  When people feel good about themselves, their actions become aligned - which are all the psychological responses to a simple fix now - dental care.

Submit testimony here.