Medicaid cuts associated with 6.9% decrease in early oral cancer detection: Study

A new study from the Wayne State University School of Medicine in Detroit found that cuts to Medicaid dental insurance was associated with a 6.9 percent decrease in detection of early-stage oral cancer.

The study, led by otolaryngology professor John Cramer, MD, explored how changes in public support for dental insurance have affected detection of early-stage oral cancer in California. The study was published March 31 in the Journal of the American Medical Association Oncology.

The study is the first to directly link dental insurance coverage with cancer outcomes, the school said April 15. 

Dr. Cramer said the results of the study helps support the vital role dental insurance plays in cancer detection as public insurance options are considered at the state and federal level. 

Several states have passed or are considering legislation to expand dental benefits under Medicaid. Congress failed to expand Medicare dental benefits under its reconciliation package last year. 

Dr. Cramer said the research team plans to conduct a follow-up study examining how cuts to Medicaid dental insurance have affected racial disparities in oral cancer.

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