Improving the Oral Health of the Most Underserved Kansans
The new Kansas Medicaid adult dental benefits went into effect on Friday, July 1. There are many logistics still to be worked out between the managed care organizations and dental providers, so access to the services may not be available yet. Oral Health Kansas is working to identify the next steps in implementation, including understanding how providers can use the new codes and how consumers can access the services. The scope of service will include fillings and crowns, as well as periodontal treatment. The managed care organizations (Aetna Better Health of Kansas, Sunflower Health Plan, and United Healthcare) will continue to cover exams and cleanings through their value-added benefits.

Oral health plays an important role in a person’s overall health. Poor oral hygiene can elevate chronic conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. In pregnant women, it can lead to pre-term delivery or a baby with low birth weight. Oral health can also impact employment.

Please watch and share our short video announcing the start of the new dental benefits.

Estimating the Cost of Medicaid Adult Dental Benefits in Kansas
In 2021, Oral Health Kansas collaborated with the American Dental Association's Health Policy Institute to prepare a two-page report utilizing Kansas data to show the costs and savings associated with the introduction of comprehensive adult dental benefits in the Kansas Medicaid program. The study, Estimating the Cost of Introducing Comprehensive Medicaid Adult Dental Benefits in Kansas, found the net cost translates to $0.51 per enrollee per month in state funds. The full report can be found here. Estimating the Cost of Introducing Comprehensive Medicaid Adult Dental Benefits in Kansas is a two-page supplement to a white paper, Making the Case for Dental Coverage for Adults in All State Medicaid Programs, released in July 2021 by the ADA Health Policy Institute, Families USA, and Community Catalyst.

How Can I Take Action or Get Involved?
Join our list here! Contact our Policy Director, Christi Wells, with any questions.