Kentucky’s proposed Medicaid changes rile dentists

ADAM BEAM
Associated Press

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) – Republican Gov. Matt Bevin’s proposed changes to the state’s Medicaid program would end routine dental and vision coverage for able-bodied adults in a state where more than half of population over 18 have had a tooth extracted because of decay or gum disease.

Bevin administration officials say the changes will only apply to able-bodied adults. Dental and vision benefits for children, pregnant women, medically frail adults and adults who qualify for the traditional Medicaid program will not change. And they say able-bodied adults won’t lose access to routine dental services because they can earn those benefits back by taking a health assessment, volunteering or getting a job.

But dentists and health advocates worry the changes will discourage people from getting the type of care that can prevent more painful and expensive health problems.

Copyright 2016 The Associated Press.