Arizona has an opportunity to prevent costly and painful dental emergencies. SB1037, important legislation that would provide needed oral health benefits to adults, is now being considered by the Arizona Senate’s Appropriations Committee this Tuesday, January 30.
Currently, AHCCCS – Arizona’s Medicaid system – has a limited benefit for adults when they need tooth extractions or pain medication like opioids. Yet AHCCCS does not cover primary and preventive dental care that keeps people out of these situations. SB1037 allows that same annual $1,000 benefit for adults to be used for primary and preventive dental care as well as emergency care.
Children’s health is greatly impacted by their parents’ oral health. Poor oral health can lead to preterm births and low birthweight. Helping parents get affordable oral health care protects the whole family’s health and finances.
Unfortunately, access to oral health care is often determined by a person’s age, income level, and the community to which they belong. Arizona’s Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), as well as people with low incomes, face the steepest barriers to good oral health, and cost is cited as the predominant reason for being unable to visit a dentist. Luckily, nearly all dental diseases are preventable with the right support and good oral health for all Arizonans is possible. This is a problem we can solve!
SB1037 gives Arizona’s families the protection they need to prevent costly and painful dental emergencies, stay healthy, take care of their families, work, and thrive. Ask lawmakers to support SB1037 TODAY
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