U.S. House votes to increase kids' oral health subsidy

The U.S. House of Representatives this week passed a bill to expand the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), including mandatory coverage for oral health.

The Senate is expected to act quickly on the bill, versions of which have passed in Congress twice, only to be vetoed by President George Bush. President-elect Barack Obama has spoken in favor of the bill, according to the New York Times.

In its current version, SCHIP provides medical insurance to about 10 million children whose families can't afford it on their own but are "too wealthy" to be eligible for Medicaid. States have the choice whether to use the money for dental care.

The legislation is supported by the ADA, Oral Health America, the Academy of General Dentistry, and other leading dental organizations. Currently, the program allows states the option of including dental benefits.

Oral Health America spokesperson Elizabeth Rogers said she was optimistic about the future of oral healthcare under the Obama administration. "I've seen promising signs," she told DrBicuspid.com. She noted that Obama's nomination for secretary of the U.S. Department of Education, Arne Duncan, had energetically supported a plan to provide sealants to children in Chicago schools.

Rogers also noted that Obama himself had served as honorary chair of a gala benefit for Oral Health America. "He knows about dental issues," she said.