May 9th, 2019 by WCBC Radio

Delegate Mike McKay is continuing to make access to dental health a top priority- securing passage of legislation this year allocating $5 million for the program.  McKay helped obtain passage of legislation last year that established a pilot program for adult Medicaid dental coverage. In addition to improving oral health, a full adult dental benefit could save up to $4 million per year, according to officials, by diverting emergency department dental visits to dental offices where more appropriate and cost-effective care can be provided. McKay told the Allegany County Chamber of Commerce that once the data was studied, a bill was pieced together for Medicaid- and Medicare-eligible citizens. The governor set aside $5 million in the budget this year. The state contributed $2.7 million and there is $2.3 million in federal dollars. It is a dual eligibility program for Medicaid and Medicare…