Using Research in Successful Policy Advocacy: The Maryland Story

In April 2022, the Maryland General Assembly passed SB150/HB6, establishing dental coverage for adults in the State’s Medicaid program. Signed into law by Governor Hogan, the legislation provides for dental coverage for over 800,000 adults under 134% of FPL. The program includes coverage for diagnostic, preventive, restorative, and periodontal services, with no annual spending limit. A research collaboration between the Maryland Dental Action Coalition (MDAC) and CareQuest institute for Oral Health provided key evidence in support for the need of such a bill. For example, an analysis of the financial impact of emergency department (ED) visits for non-traumatic dental conditions (NTDCs) in Maryland found that the ED 35,300 visits for NTDCs in 2019 cost payors $25.7 million. This seminar will provide learners with a detailed overview of the research-based advocacy efforts used successfully in Maryland that may be similarly modeled in other states looking to expand dental coverage.