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For the past several years, MDAC implemented a multi-dimensional campaign to expand dental coverage to all adults in Maryland Medicaid. Although dually eligible adults under age 65, pregnant and postpartum people, and young adults who have aged out of foster care have some dental coverage through Maryland Medicaid, far too many adults do not, resulting in oral health issues that make it difficult to manage dental pain, control a chronic disease, obtain employment, or even eat, speak, or socialize.
Maryland is just one of three states without adult dental coverage in Medicaid. More than 30 states provide comprehensive or limited adult dental coverage in their Medicaid programs. The remaining states provide some dental coverage to most adults in emergency situations, except for the states of Maryland, Alabama, and Tennessee.
During the 2022 legislative session, oral health champions Senator Malcolm L. Augustine (D-Prince George’s County), Senator Guy Guzzone (D-Howard County), Delegate Bonnie L. Cullison (D-Montgomery County), and Delegate Michael W. McKay (R-Allegany & Washington Counties), sponsored a bill that would add adult dental benefits to Maryland Medicaid. After through both houses in the Maryland General Assembly, the LEGISLATION WAS SIGNED INTO LAW BY GOVERNOR HOGAN ON MAY 12, 2022.
Hundreds of Individuals and Organizations pledged Support
By signing on in support of an adult dental benefit in Maryland Medicaid.
Share your stories
Personal stories from individuals who have received dental coverage through Maryland Medicaid will be powerful. If you or anyone from your organization know of Marylanders who have been positively impacted by receiving dental care through Maryland Medicaid and are willing to share their story, please submit it as a Word document on your organization’s letter to info@mdac.us. Individual stories can be submitted as written testimony, but may also be helpful and shared during hearings and legislative meetings.
It is time to advocate for equitable dental care for low-income Marylanders. Support passing comprehensive adult dental coverage in Maryland!
