The Pennsylvania Dental Association (PDA) is urging state lawmakers to support HB 532, which would require insurance companies to cover the costs of general anesthesia for young children and patients with special needs.
Many young patients and those with mental or physical disabilities often experience stress when visiting a dentist's office, and some require general anesthesia before a dentist can treat them, the PDA noted.
However, many insurers refuse to cover the cost of anesthesia for dental patients, according to the PDA. If a parent or caregiver cannot afford the cost, it could result in a patient delaying treatment or neglecting oral health.
"Insurance companies refusing to cover anesthesia is equivalent to them denying oral healthcare for children and special needs patients," said state Rep. Stan Saylor (R-York), who sponsored HB 532.
The PDA is working with state lawmakers to ensure that all patients have access to quality oral healthcare, added William Spruill, DDS, president of the PDA.
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