Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson
Posted: May 5, 2009
Simpson Introduces Legislation to Improve Access to Oral Health Care
Washington, D.C. – As a former dentist, Congressman Simpson recognizes that early intervention is essential to assuring that individuals have good oral health. However, inadequate funding for the Medicaid dental program prevents Medicaid recipients, mostly children, from being able to see a provider. Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson has introduced legislation to help states improve their Medicaid programs to provide better access to oral health services for the underserved. The Essential Oral Health Care Act of 2009, H.R. 2220, would improve the delivery of dental services in state dental Medicaid programs and would provide grants for volunteer dental projects.
“Tooth decay is five times more common than asthma and seven times more common than hay-fever, yet it is a preventable infectious disease,” said Simpson. “The impact of poor oral health reaches far beyond the mouth. Poor oral health can lead to infections that cause surgical complications and increase health care costs.”
H.R. 2220 targets the fundamental problem with the dental Medicaid program by giving a state an option of receiving enhanced federal matching funds if the state chooses to redesign its plan in a manner that pays dentists market rate fees, eliminates administrative barriers, ensures there are enough dentists signed up willing to offer care, and educates caregivers on the importance of seeking care. The bill also provides federal funding to support initiatives that provide free oral health services to the underserved.
Minority, low-income, and geographically-isolated children suffer disproportionately from dental cavities. In fact, 80 percent of all tooth decay is found in 25 percent of children.
“Early intervention is essential in assuring that an individual has good oral health,” said Simpson. “By providing preventative oral care to children and all individuals, we can help prevent future costly, invasive procedures.”
Simpson is one of two dentists who serve in Congress and has long been an advocate for oral health issues. H.R. 2220 enjoys the support of the American Dental Association, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the American Dental Education Association, the American Dental Hygienists Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, and the Children’s Dental Health Project.
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