Since 1982, every state has provided health benefits to low-income Americans through Medicaid. But in times of economic stress, the optional Medicaid dental benefits often become a prime target for cost-cutting politicians. The map below illustrates the evolution of state Medicaid dental benefits in the last decade.
Drag the slider above to select a data point from 2002 to 2011, or watch the data change over time. Play from 2002 or play from the year shown above.
None | No optional adult dental services covered |
Emergency | Only emergency dental services covered |
Limited | Covers more than just emergency dental services but not enough to be considered full coverage |
Full | Covers extractions and at least preventative, diagnostic and restorative dental services |
Source: American Dental Association