The potential reduction in pediatric dental Medicaid coverage could lead to nearly 96,000 additional cases of dental caries and $86.5 million in additional healthcare costs, according to a new study published in JAMA Network Open.
The study, “Projected Oral Health Outcomes and Costs Associated With Pediatric Medicaid Disenrollment,” used a microsimulation model to project the potential dental health impact of reduced coverage under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, according to a May 21 news release from the American Dental Association.
The model also projected 7,367 additional emergency department visits for nontraumatic dental conditions and the loss of more than 27,000 quality-adjusted life-years.
There are currently more than 37 million children who receive comprehensive Medicaid dental coverage. Nearly 500,000 children per year could lose coverage between 2025 and 2034 under the policy changes.
In 2024, 49% of pediatric Medicaid and CHIP beneficiaries visited a dentist, the release said.
Read the full study here.
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