Rhode Island has become the latest state to consider dramatically reducing Medicaid dental services for adults.
A proposal by Gov. Lincoln Chafee could save the state $2.7 million, according to a story in the Boston Globe.
Rhode Island is facing a $117 million budget deficit, the Globe noted.
The proposed cuts, which are included in Chafee's budget proposal for the next fiscal year, would target routine dental services but retain coverage for some emergency dental procedures. However, if the state restricts the benefit to emergency procedures, the state would lose nearly $3 million in federal matching funds, according to the Globe.
About 93,000 Rhode Island adults are eligible for dental services under the state's current Medicaid plan.
