The American Dental Association has urged Congress to support tax policies that support small businesses and to preserve adult Medicaid dental benefits as lawmakers continue with the budget reconciliation process.
ADA President Brett Kessler, DDS, and Interim Executive Director Elizabeth Shapiro, DDS, sent a letter April 22 to Sen. Mike Crapo, chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, and Sen. Ron Wyden, ranking member of the Senate Committee on Finance. The two ADA leaders emphasized the importance of investing in oral healthcare to support the overall wellness of Americans.
The ADA pointed out in its letter that dental offices generate $478 billion in annual revenue and support 2.5 million jobs. The organization backed several tax policies they said allow dentists to remain financially successful, as well as policies that support the workforce.
The ADA also noted the benefits of supporting adult dental benefits under Medicaid, including less emergency room use and improved chronic disease management. Dr. Kessler and Dr. Shapiro said they are concerned that states may decrease or repeal adult Medicaid benefits to reduce financial strain.
“Oral health is integral to overall health, and cuts to dental benefits often lead to higher downstream costs for state and federal programs,” the dental leaders said in the letter. “We respectfully urge the Committee to consider the long-term value of maintaining these essential services within any proposed Medicaid reforms.”
