Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey has proposed implementing a $1,000 annual cap on Medicaid dental coverage as part of the state’s budget for fiscal year 2027, Boston 25 News reported Feb. 10.
Seven notes:
1. State officials are trying to reign in healthcare spending amid rising costs, which lawmakers say includes an increase in the cost of providing care.
2. The state’s MassHealth program reportedly spent about $270 million on adult dental services in 2025.
3. The state is also facing federal funding cuts tied to the passage of the H.R. 1 spending bill, potentially losing about $3.5 billion each year in federal healthcare funding.
4. Legislators estimate the annual cap could save the state up to $120 million.
5. Haroutious Kotchinian, DMD, told Boston 25 News that the annual cap would barely cover a single crown, leaving patients unable to cover additional services.
6. Other dentists have also warned that the annual cap could lead to more expensive health issues down the line.
7. Abe Abdul, DMD, a past president of the Massachusetts Dental Society, launched an online petition urging lawmakers to reject the annual cap in the state’s final budget.
