More than 450,000 Californians on Medi-Cal, the state's Medicaid program, have had to either pay for or go without dental care since July as a result of state budget cuts, according to a new report from Health Access California.
"The Damage Already Done: A Report on the 2009 Health Care Budget Cuts Six Months In" looks at the effect that significant cuts to the state's Medi-Cal system -- which serves about 3 million adults -- has already had on services.
For example, as a result of a $129.4 million reduction in Medi-Cal funding, coverage for most dental care and nine other services has been eliminated for adults, putting many at risk of serious health issues, the report notes. In addition, more than 300,000 school children have missed an educational opportunity to learn proper dental care and positive life-long oral habits.
Health Access is also concerned about potential new cuts to dental and medical services, as California struggles to address an expected $21 billion deficit in the coming fiscal year.
"The impacts from last year's (and previous years') healthcare budget cuts are very real and are still snowballing," the report states. "It is crucial that policymakers understand the gravity and severity of the impact of cuts on California at their time of greatest need."
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