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Rhode Island Governor Will Cut Dental Insurance for Low-Income Families
Rhode Island Governor Don Carcieri has announced his plan to cut dental insurance for almost 38,000 low-income families in his state. These individuals are enrolled in the “Rite Care” program, associated with Medicaid. Because of budget cuts, the governor claims that he is forced to cut healthcare benefits for Rhode Island’s most poor individuals and families.
This particular cut would save the state up to $525,000. The governor plans to use the funds to work towards closing the state’s deficit of $860 million. His goal is to pay off the debt in the next two years. However, many government officials are expressing concern and say that budget cuts in the way of tax-supported healthcare for the less fortunate are not acceptable.
Dentists, too, are outraged at the changes. They say that cutting dental benefits can cause irreversible damage to patients’ health. Though many do not understand the value of proper oral care, cases of death have been recorded for individuals who do not receive treatment for even the most routine cavity filling or infection.
If you are one of the individuals who will be affected by this legislation, or you want to learn more about what you can do to help, talk to your local dentist today!