Contact Name: Sara Persechino

Phone: (603) 271-3479

Email: Sara.Persechino@leg.state.nh.us

CONCORD - Today, the Senate voted in favor of SB 754, Senator Cindy Rosenwald’s (D-Nashua) bill to establish a dental benefit under the state Medicaid program. Under current statute, New Hampshire Medicaid only covers dental benefits for children and limited emergency coverage for adults. If signed into law, SB 754 would provide comprehensive dental coverage to adults enrolled in the Medicaid program.

After the vote, prime sponsor Senator Cindy Rosenwald (D-Nashua) issued the following statement:

“There are over 90,000 adults who are currently enrolled in traditional and expanded Medicaid who do not have dental coverage. Not only does this negatively impact their health, but the lack of coverage results in the state spending around $1.5 million per year on dental related emergency room visits. SB 754 is an economic development tool. Working age adults who receive dental care will be less likely to have poor dental presentation which has been proven to deter employers. By expanding dental benefits, we increase employability and financial security for Granite Staters covered under Medicaid.

In our budget, the Legislature was able to fund start-up costs to incorporate dental coverage for adults, as 34 other states already do. It is long past time that we provide dental benefits to Granite Staters who rely on Medicaid for their health care, and I thank my Senate colleagues for their work on this issue.”

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