10 dental Medicaid updates to know from Q1

Here are 10 important federal and state updates on dental Medicaid updates for dentists to keep on their radar from the first quarter of 2026, as reported by Becker’s. 

Note: This list is not exhaustive.

1. Medi-Cal, California’s Medicaid program is cutting back on dental benefits for “unsatisfactory” immigration status. The cuts are projected to save the state about $308 million in the 2026-27 budget year.
2. Adults living in rural communities with limited access to dental care, in addition to gaps in Medicaid dental coverage, are more likely to rely on hospitals for emergency dental care, according to a recent study.
3. The Arizona Senate passed a bill that would allow the state to study the impact of comprehensive dental benefits for adult Medicaid recipients.
4. Virginia legislators are considering placing an annual spending limit on Medicaid dental services. Former Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin introduced a budget proposal last December that includes a $2,000 cap on dental services for adult Medicaid recipients.
5. Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., introduced a bill that would use revenue from a wealth tax to reverse Medicaid cuts and expand dental coverage under Medicare.
6. Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey proposed implementing a $1,000 annual cap on Medicaid dental coverage as part of the state’s budget for fiscal year 2027.
7. Maine lawmakers are considering an emergency proposal to increase Medicaid reimbursement rates for pediatric dentists who perform work on patients under anesthesia.
8. Arkansas lawmakers must consider new options to boost support for its Medicaid dental program after CMS rejected several measures.
9. Illinois legislators are considering two bills that would increase payments for dentists who treat children under Medicaid.
10. Idaho Gov. Brad Little recommended cutting Medicaid dental services in order to save the state money.

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