FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Tuesday, December 29, 2020
Boston. – “Health Care For All (HCFA) applauds the leadership shown by the state legislature in overriding the Governor’s veto and advancing a final budget for FY21 that fully restores MassHealth adult dental benefits. This pivotal step will put critical oral health services, including root canals and crowns, within reach for residents across the state who rely on MassHealth.
“The restoration of adult dental benefits in the FY21 Budget was made possible with the inclusion of $19 million in funding for this purpose. These services are necessary to allow injured or diseased teeth to be repaired instead of extracted. Without access and coverage of appropriate dental care, many people living with chronic illnesses such as diabetes or hypertension see their conditions worsen, raising their risk level.
“At a time when managing chronic conditions and helping people stay healthy could not be more important, reinstating these services for the first time in ten years will make a meaningful impact on the health of thousands of Massachusetts residents. State budget shortfalls led to significant cuts to adult dental benefits in MassHealth in 2010. Since then, advocates and legislative leaders have worked together to incrementally restore these benefits including coverage of fillings, full dentures, gum disease treatment and now finally root canals and crowns.
“HCFA thanks the House and Senate leadership for their work to expand access to oral health services, and looks forward to continuing to work together to ensure care and coverage of all critical health care services for individuals and families in the Commonwealth.”
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