Medicaid Dental Cuts Begin Soon

Many of the budget cuts passed this year in the legislature will go into effect in just a few days on July 1st.  One of the areas taking a big hit is Medicaid and preventative dental care. The Department of Health and Welfare had to cut $97 million dollars to balance their budget and estimates the cuts will affect about 42,000 Idaho Medicaid patients. The cut to preventative dental care was just one way to manage, but one dentist is worried the state's plan to save money could end up costing them more in the long run, while many who rely on the service are left wondering what they'll do now. Beginning July 1st regular, preventative dental check-ups will be stripped away for adults. Only pregnant women, those under 21 and those who have emergency cases will receive care under Medicaid. The Department of Health and Welfare estimates the cut to the dental care will save a total of $5.6 million dollars.