State to upset dentists: Medicaid proposal won't hurt a bit

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — In his mid-30s, Jonathan Hensley was unemployed and caring for some disabled family members. He needed to take care of himself, too, because his teeth hurt.

Historically in Kentucky, someone like Hensley — a single, able-bodied adult with no job — would likely not have had health insurance. But because the state expanded its Medicaid program under the Affordable Care Act in 2013, Hensley and some 400,000 other Kentuckians got taxpayer-funded medical, dental and vision coverage.

Hensley, now 37, got some needed fillings.

That routine dental coverage is now at risk, as Gov. Matt Bevin seeks to overhaul the state's Medicaid system. The Republican governor's proposal would eliminate routine dental and vision coverage for Medicaid recipients, but allow them to earn those benefits back by doing things like volunteering, undergoing a health assessment and getting a job.

Read more: http://www.stamfordadvocate.com/news/us/article/Kentucky-s-proposed-Medicaid-changes-rile-dentists-9061774.php