June 29th, 2012 1:59pm - Posted By: Jennifer Hein
Yesterday morning the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the Affordable Care Act (ACA). This long awaited decision marks an important step in the fight to provide access to health care for millions of Americans.
Implementation of the ACA brings some benefits for oral health, particularly in relation to children. The ACA defines pediatric dental as an essential benefit, which means insurance providers will no longer place dollar limits on pediatric dental care. Additionally, the ACA includes increased funding for expanding Community Health Centers, including those that provide oral health.
However, there still is work that needs to be done in expanding access to oral care for millions. While the ACA expands Medicaid minimally, coverage of oral care continues to be greatly limited for adults. This is especially true as Medicare does not cover oral health and leaves much of the senior population without a resource for care.
NNOHA is pleased to see forward progress in expanding access to health care, but urges continued development towards the inclusion of oral health as a part of overall health for underserved populations. To read the full decision, click here.
For more information on the impact to community health centers see NACHC’s response to the decision. In response to the decision and as a follow up to their programming earlier in the week, PBS also has information on the impacts this will have on oral health care.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact NNOHA's Policy Analyst, Marija Osborn at marija@nnoha.org or visit http://www.nnoha.org/advocacy.html to learn more about NNOHA's policy and advocacy activities.
