U.S. congressman introduces bill to improve access to care

May 5, 2009

Rep. Mike Simpson (R-Idaho) has introduced a bill to help states improve their Medicaid programs to provide better access to oral health services for the underserved. The Essential Oral Health Care Act of 2009, H.R. 2220, would improve the delivery of dental services in state dental Medicaid programs and would provide grants for volunteer dental projects, the congressman announced.

As a former dentist, Rep. Simpson recognizes that early intervention is essential to ensuring that individuals have good oral health, he noted in a press release. However, inadequate funding for the Medicaid dental program prevents Medicaid recipients, mostly children, from being able to see a provider.

H.R. 2220 targets the fundamental problem with the dental Medicaid program by giving a state an option of receiving enhanced federal matching funds if the state chooses to redesign its plan in a manner that pays dentists market rate fees, eliminates administrative barriers, ensures enough dentists are signed up willing to offer care, and educates caregivers on the importance of seeking care. The bill also provides federal funding to support initiatives that provide free oral health services to the underserved.

Rep. Simpson is one of two dentists who serve in Congress and has long been an advocate for oral health issues. H.R. 2220 enjoys the support of the ADA, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the American Dental Education Association, the American Dental Hygienists' Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, and the Children's Dental Health Project.