Adults who rely on Arizona’s Medicaid program, also known as AHCCCS, could see their dental coverage expanded.
Currently, AHCCCS only covers dental emergencies, like extractions up to $1,000. A bill making its way through the state Legislature could change that.
"You still have a $1,000 dental benefit, but it would no longer be limited to extractions or emergency dental. You could use it, for example, to go get cleanings and go see your dental hygienist, so you could do more preventative work," said Will Humble, the executive director of the Arizona Public Health Association.
Humble says he’s optimistic the bill will move because there’s no additional funding attached to it.