Two new bills under consideration in North Dakota’s Legislature are targeting improved access to dental care for low-income and underrepresented groups across the state. While supporters agree the legislation is a positive step forward, they emphasize that these bills only begin to address the significant gaps in dental care access.
House Bill 1567 proposes a study to assess the dental health status of Medicaid recipients. It also aims to explore ways to attract more dental professionals to serve low-income children, Native American children, and individuals with disabilities.
Senate Bill 2231 seeks to extend dental coverage to those enrolled in Medicaid Expansion, a health program designed for adults who do not qualify for Medicaid but earn below 138% of the federal poverty level.
“We need to take action,” said Rep. Mary Schneider, D-Fargo, who co-sponsored the House bill. “Effective and lasting solutions are needed to improve dental access for those who depend on Medicaid for their oral health care.”
As of January, around 23,300 North Dakotans are enrolled in Medicaid Expansion. Adding dental coverage would cost the state approximately $500,000, with an additional $4.6 million in federal funding, according to estimates shared with the Senate Health and Human Services Committee.
