Many not getting dental care they need

The media's coverage of the rows of dental stations that lined the KeyArena floor earlier this fall was an incredible sight. Had I not known otherwise, I would have thought the large-scale humanitarian effort was in a developing country rather than in of one the most prosperous regions in our state.

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The makeshift dental department was part of the Seattle/King County Clinic: a four-day event to provide free dental, medical and vision care to people throughout the state. Of 4,010 patients admitted, 2,314 sought dental care. Many of the patients seeking dental care traveled from Lynnwood, Everett, Marysville and as far north as Mount Vernon. Organizers said the demand was so great that many others were turned away by late morning each day. 

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The demand illustrates the reality that dental care remains out of reach for many people in Washington. That includes many lower income adults with Apple Health coverage, the state's Medicaid program.

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That's because the adult Apple Health dental program as it exists today is underfunded and unable to meet current demands, so many who need the care the most are often the least likely to get it.

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For many Apple Health patients, their only options are to either seek care at a rare charitable event or go to a hospital emergency room, where they may receive medication to relieve pain and infection, but not the care needed to address the underlying causes of their suffering.

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People who cannot get oral health care often experience serious, and expensive, health complications. Untreated dental disease can affect an individual's overall health, employment opportunities, nutrition and quality of life.

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Among those seeking dental care was Kevin of Lake Stevens. The 43-year-old mechanic cracked a front tooth more than year ago. He had been unable to find a dentist who would accept his Apple Health coverage, and paying out of pocket was too expensive. Kevin said the day at the Seattle Center was time well spent.

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“I'm in a lot of pain and this is my only option,” he said. “Without this [Seattle/King County Clinic], I don't know what I'd do.”

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Lawmakers are currently looking at raising reimbursement rates for lower-income diabetic and pregnant dental patients, because studies have shown that preventive care reduces the likelihood of severe and costly complications.

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But others with dental coverage through Apple Health, including the working poor living in urban, suburban and rural communities, are also underserved when it comes to dental care.

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And because Apple Health provides a reimbursement rate of only about a quarter (28 percent) of private rates, dental care access for these people will continue to be a growing problem. On the other hand, raising Apple Health rates will make it possible for providers to treat Medicaid patients.

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I am thankful for the Seattle/King County Clinic, which aimed to fill unmet needs for people who can't afford or can't get health care, was a partnership of more than 100 health organizations and more than 1,500 health care workers. The four days of care for people of all ages, including the majority who arrived before sunrise, constituted one of the largest nonprofit undertakings in our region for the second year in a row.

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However, it's time our Legislature and health policy makers partnered with the community to help increase long-term access. Targeted investments in dental care will lead to better health, and to taxpayer savings in the long run.

Source: http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20151215/OPINION03/151219468

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