The Idaho House of Representatives has voted to restore adult Medicaid dental benefits, saying dental-related emergency room services have cost the state more than savings from budget cuts.
Idaho cut the program three years ago, which left 27,000 people without coverage, according to an Associated Press story.
The state House of Representatives voted 62-6 Tuesday for the $1.4 million bill, which had supporters for preventive dentistry up against fiscal conservatives.
Minority Leader Rep. John Rusche (D-Lewiston) argued it made sense from a health and a fiscal perspective.
After the coverage was eliminated in 2011, monthly emergency room costs more than doubled to $65,000 from $30,000 two years ago.
Rep. Paul Shepherd (R-Riggins) countered the federal government should address the nation's $16 trillion debt before helping poor people maintain their smiles.
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