Mo. restores some funding for adult dental Medicaid

Missouri lawmakers have agreed to restore some funding for dental services for low-income adults beginning in July.

The $48 million in state and federal funds allocated to Missouri Medicaid for adult dental care in the new 2015 budget will help keep those with dental problems out of emergency rooms, which often treat the pain, but not the underlying issue, according to a KMAland.com story.

An estimated 300,000 Missouri residents will benefit from the coverage, which hasn't been available since 2005. For the past decade, the state's Medicaid program has covered children's dental care but limited adult dental services to those who are blind, disabled, or pregnant.