Southwest Allegheny News

The Pennsylvania House of Representatives has passed legislation sponsored by Rep. Valerie Gaydos (R-Allegheny) that aims to restore dental coverage for Medical Assistance recipients. House Bill 1417 seeks to ensure that Medical Assistance provides a dental benefit package that includes the coverage that was available before cuts were made in 2011 without removing any existing dental coverage.

In support of the bill, Gaydos emphasized the importance of dental care for overall health and workforce development. She stated, "Good dental care is good health care and is critical to workforce development. Cuts in Medical Assistance that occurred in 2011 did not save money. It actually costs the Commonwealth more when poor dental health leads to chronic and costly diseases. Overall, this legislation is a critical addition around essential care of the constituents of our Commonwealth."

The cuts made in 2011 to dental coverage under Pennsylvania's Medical Assistance program have prevented many low-income Pennsylvanians from receiving the oral health care they need. While the current plan provides coverage for routine cleanings and fillings, services such as root canals, periodontal disease work, and emergency exams were eliminated due to concerns over cost.

Gaydos has been working with Reps. Gina H. Curry (D-Delaware) and Emily Kinkead (D-Allegheny) on this bipartisan legislation. Gaydos highlighted the need for Pennsylvania to address the lack of dental coverage for vulnerable residents, stating, "Pennsylvania has been failing its most vulnerable residents and that must be corrected. Studies have shown the significance of teeth and good oral hygiene goes well beyond physical health, aesthetics, or nutrition. It plays a strategic role as a key element for labor inclusion. Good teeth equal better opportunities for job applicants."

House Bill 1417 will now move to the Senate for consideration. The passage of this bill would be a significant step towards providing necessary dental care to low-income Pennsylvanians who currently lack access.

For further information, a broadcast-quality video of Gaydos' comments before the vote can be viewed or downloaded [here](https://www.example.com).

Representative Valerie Gaydos, who sponsored the bill, represents the 44th Legislative District in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. For media inquiries, please contact Rick Leiner at 717.260.6437 or rleiner@pahousegop.com. More information can also be found on RepGaydos.com and Facebook.com/RepGaydos.

For additional details, please follow this link: https://repgaydos.com/News/33275/Latest-News/House-Passes-Expanded-Dental-Coverage-Bill-Sponsored-by-Gaydos-