Lawmakers to Consider Medicaid Dental Funding

None by KCPW

Low-Income Advocates Score a Win

(KCPW News) After months of noisy protest, low-income advocates have won a small battle in convincing Governor Huntsman to add Medicaid dental funding to the legislature's special session agenda this week. Huntsman has instructed lawmakers to consider spending $2 million on emergency dental services for the aged, blind and disabled.

"It's good that he's recommending restoration of emergency dental because at least it will prevent people from dying," says Bill Tibbitts, director of the Anti-Hunger Action Committee. Advocates are hoping for $5 million to fully fund dental and vision services.

Last year lawmakers fully-funded both for one year, but failed to repeat the move during the 2006 General Session. In the special session this Wednesday, lawmakers could opt to increase or decrease the $2 million recommended by Governor Huntsman, or again refuse the proposal. On July 1st, the money appropriated last year for dental and vision services runs out.

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