Senator Alsobrooks, Representative Barragán Introduce Two Bills to Close Gaps in Dental Coverage
On July 22, 2026, Senator Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD) and Representative Nanette Barragán (D-CA-44) introduced two bicameral bills that aim to close gaps in dental coverage across the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and Medicaid. The Ensuring Kids Have Access to Medically Necessary Dental Care Act would ban annual and lifetime dollar limits in children’s dental benefits and require wraparound coverage in CHIP where it is currently optional. The Medicaid Dental Benefit Act of 2026 would make adult dental care a mandatory Medicaid benefit with full federal funding for the first three years. Currently, adult dental coverage is an optional Medicaid benefit included on a state-by-state basis.
AGD has signed on to endorse both bills.
The full text of the Ensuring Kids Have Access to Medically Necessary Dental Care Act may be found here. The full text of the Medicaid Dental Benefit Act of 2026 may be found here.
Impact on General Dentistry: The passage of these bills would significantly expand access to dental care by increasing Medicaid coverage for both children and adults. The Ensuring Kids Have Access to Medically Necessary Dental Care Act would help ensure children can complete necessary dental treatment and access preventive, restorative, and specialty services, while the Medicaid Dental Benefit Act would make adult dental coverage a mandatory Medicaid benefit nationwide. Together, these measures could improve oral health outcomes, reduce untreated dental disease, encourage earlier intervention, and strengthen the connection between oral health and overall health management.