Protect Apple Health Dental
Dear [Insert Name],
[Suggested: A brief introduction of who you are and why you care about Apple Health. Otherwise delete before sending]
In Washington state, more than 2 million people rely on Apple Health coverage for their dental coverage. More than 1 million low-income adults rely on the comprehensive adult dental benefit. As you develop the supplemental operating budget, we urge you and your colleagues to protect our Apple Health (Medicaid) dental benefit.
The current biennial budget already includes cuts to the Apple Health pediatric and adult dental programs. These cuts have impacted providers’ ability to treat Medicaid patients. Any further cuts to the Apple Health dental program would be devastating for the dental care delivery system and, most importantly, for the Washingtonians covered by Apple Health.
We recognize that the state is experiencing a significant budget deficit that will require difficult decisions. However, any cuts to the Apple Health dental program would have far reaching effects, both for the people of Washington state and for future budget considerations. For adults, reducing or eliminating our state’s comprehensive adult benefit will cause:
- Increased Financial Burdens on Taxpayers: Without a Medicaid dental benefit, individuals will be forced to seek care in emergency rooms, increasing uncompensated care costs and straining hospitals. The financial burden of reducing dental coverage will far exceed the investment needed to sustain Medicaid.
- Reduced Employability for Washingtonians: A reduced or eliminated Medicaid adult dental benefit impacts employment. One in four low-income Washingtonians report that the condition of their mouth has negatively impacted their ability to interview for a job.
- Worsening Health Outcomes: Reduced access to Medicaid-funded dental care will exacerbate chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and pregnancy complications. Preventive care keeps people healthier and reduces long-term healthcare costs.
- Exacerbated Health Disparities: Rural communities, low-income families and seniors rely on Medicaid for their care. Cuts would widen these inequities, disproportionately affecting those most in need.
- Far-Reaching Economic Impacts: Health care providers like community health centers and rural and critical access hospitals that rely on Medicaid reimbursement are significant employers and economic drivers.
We know from experience it takes years to rebuild the Medicaid adult dental program after eliminating and subsequently restoring it. In 2011 Washington eliminated comprehensive dental coverage for most adults on Apple Health. This decision was devastating for Washington residents and led to a surge in dental-related emergency department (ED) visits, which cost taxpayers $36 million over an 18-month period. Thankfully the legislature restored the benefit in 2014, but the disruption had far-reaching impacts on the provider network and the sustainability of the community health center system.
Any further funding cuts to the children’s Apple Health dental program would jeopardize the already insufficient provider network and erode access to care for children across the state. Providers are already grappling with rate cuts that went into effect in July, and many are no longer able to see as many Apple Health children as they once did.
When kids lack access to routine dental care, it impacts their ability to learn and thrive. Children with painful untreated cavities can develop speech issues, reduce school readiness, and struggle to pay attention in class. The most recent Smile Survey shows that one in five Washington third graders had untreated decay. Now is not the time to backslide on support for kids’ oral health.
We know the state is facing significant budget challenges. We also know that any further cuts to the Apple Health dental program will result in increased financial and human costs. Please maintain current funding for the Apple Health dental benefit.
Signed,
[Insert name, title, and if desired, contact info]