A recent report on emergency room use from the Washington Health Care Authority is receiving a lot of media attention. According to the report, an initiative to reduce “unnecessary” emergency room visits is on track to generate savings of up to $31 million per year.
The Seattle Times article notes that helping Medicaid patients avoid dental emergencies is another key goal of the coalition of medical providers and state officials looking to save money by reducing ER use.
According to KUOW’s coverage, dental emergencies are a large part of the problem. “Without preventive care, many (patients) end up in the ER with a dental emergency that the ER is not equipped to handle.”
One way to avoid patients coming into emergency rooms with dental pain is for the Legislature to restore dental coverage for low-income adults this session. Preventing dental disease saves money, improves health and keeps people out of the ER.
Oral Health Watch
15 hours ago
Medicaid cuts won't only affect lower-income patients. Health experts say many privately-insured patients will experience reduced services, higher healthcare spending as costs shift onto the remaining private insurance system, and reduced access to care as hospitals and clinics face cuts and ...closure due to financial instability from decreased revenue and an uptick in uncompensated care. #MedicaidMatters #SaveMedicaid #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
16 hours ago
Medicaid cuts won't only affect lower-income patients. Health experts say many privately-insured patients will experience reduced services, higher healthcare spending as costs shift onto the remaining private insurance system, and reduced access to care as hospitals and clinics face cuts and ...closure due to financial instability from decreased revenue and an uptick in uncompensated care. #MedicaidMatters #SaveMedicaid #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
2 days ago
Medicaid's impact extends beyond providing healthcare for lower-income families and individuals. Medicaid contributes to a healthier and more stable society that benefits everyone, including those with private insurance, through reduced uncompensated care, improved public health, economic ...development, and enhanced financial security. #teethmatter #SaveMedicaid
Oral Health Watch
2 days ago
Medicaid's impact extends beyond providing healthcare for lower-income families and individuals. Medicaid contributes to a healthier and more stable society that benefits everyone, including those with private insurance, through reduced uncompensated care, improved public health, economic ...development, and enhanced financial security. #teethmatter #SaveMedicaid
Oral Health Watch
2 days ago
#SaveMedicaid #MedicaidMatters #HandsOffMedicaid #MedicaidExpansion
Oral Health Watch
2 days ago
#SaveMedicaid #MedicaidMatters #HandsOffMedicaid #MedicaidExpansion