Free and charitable clinics throughout Virginia, including those providing dental care, are advocating for additional funding in light of legislative changes, WHRO reported Jan. 30.
Six notes:
1. The expiration of ACA subsidies has led to a drop in enrollment, leading more than a million fewer enrollees compared to last year, CNN reported Jan. 28.
2. States are also faced with implementing new work requirements under Medicaid by Jan. 1, 2027.
3. More than 300,000 Virginia residents are at risk of losing coverage over the next two years under these changes, which will lead to increased demand at healthcare clinics.
4. Charitable clinics in the state already reported a 47% increase in patients between 2022 and 2024, most of them uninsured.
5. Virginia contributes about $8.8 million to free clinics each year, but a budget amendment could tack on an additional $15 million per year.
6. Healthcare officials have warned that dental patients could be impacted the most by these changes unless additional funding is provided to clinics.
