Impacts of Medicaid Dental Benefits Among Pregnant People, Reproductive-Age Women, and Other Adults

Session Submission Type: Panel

Abstract

This panel explores how the expansion of Medicaid dental benefits influences healthcare utilization, health outcomes, and health behaviors among low-income and vulnerable populations. Using rigorous quasi-experimental methods and national data sources, the three studies offer new insights into the effectiveness—and consequences—of Medicaid dental coverage in improving population health and equity.

Our first paper examines the impact of Medicaid pregnancy dental benefits on dental care use and birth outcomes using PRAMS data and a stacked difference-in-differences approach. Findings show that expanded coverage increases dental cleaning rates among pregnant individuals, especially among non-Hispanic Black women. Effects on birth outcomes like preterm birth and low birth weight highlight broader social and health impacts.

Our second paper evaluates the impact of expanding adult Medicaid dental benefits on dental service use among low-income adults using the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey. Results show that transitions to comprehensive dental coverage significantly increase use of both preventive and treatment services, emphasizing the value of generous benefit design.

Our third paper studies how dental coverage expansions for non-pregnant adults affect reproductive-age women using BRFSS data. Expansions lead to substantial increases in dental care utilization, but also appear to increase the likelihood of smoking initiation—suggesting potential unintended behavioral responses.

Together, these papers provide timely evidence on the reach and consequences of Medicaid dental policies. They demonstrate that while expanding dental coverage improves access to care, broader structural factors and behavioral dynamics must be considered to fully realize the health equity potential of public insurance programs.

Policy Area

• Health Policy

Chair

• Brandy Lipton, University of California Irvine

Organizer

• Anwar Assamidanov, University of California, Irvine

Individual Presentations

• Impact of Medicaid Dental Expansion on Prenatal Dental Cleaning and Birth Outcomes - Presenting Author: Anwar Assamidanov, University of California, Irvine

• Impact of Medicaid Dental Coverage Expansion on Dental Care Utilization and Behavioral Responses Among Reproductive-Age Women - Presenting Author: Xuechao (Jane) Qian, Ball State University

• The Effect of Increasing Dental Payment Rates on Provider Behavior, Utilization, and Emergency Department Visits - Presenting Author: Sandra Spirovska, University of Wisconsin-Madison