Several states are looking to boost support for Medicaid, while dental benefits in other states could be on the chopping block.
Four updates:
1. Illinois legislators are considering two bills that would increase payments for dentists who treat children under Medicaid. House Bill 4393 would increase reimbursement rates by 33% for several services, including comprehensive oral exams, periodic oral exams, problem-focused exams, behavior management codes, sealants, resin-based composites-posterior teeth, and extractions. House Bill 4392 would increase the reimbursement rates for all services provided to children by 50%.
2. Idaho Gov. Brad Little recently recommended cutting Medicaid dental services in order to save the state money. Idaho is facing multimillion dollar budget shortfalls, including a $40 million shortfall for this fiscal year, and a more than $500 million shortfall for the next fiscal year. The state already passed a Medicaid cost-cutting bill in 2025, but the governor is proposing $45 million in additional cuts, which would include cutting Medicaid dental coverage for adults and people with disabilities.
3. A coalition of more than 50 organizations is calling for legislators to protect Medicaid dental funding in California. Gov.Gavin Newsom previously proposed cutting Proposition 56 funding — which directs revenue from a tobacco tax to increase access to care for individuals who qualify for dental services through Medi-Cal — and redirecting the funds to address that state’s $12 million budget deficit. The state legislature later rejected the proposal, delaying any cuts until July 1. The Coalition to Save Our Dental Care said future cuts would lead to the elimination of one third of funding for the Medi-Cal Dental program, and would also lead the state to drop to the 48th lowest Medicaid dental reimbursement rates for children in the U.S.
4. North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein directed the state health department last month to restore Medicaid reimbursement rates. The health department cut rates at various levels depending on the provider in October due to the state operating under a budget deficit. The reversal will restore rates back to what they were as of Sept. 30.
