Last updated: Jan 29th, 2026

As we kick off the new year in the Commonwealth, Kentucky’s General Assembly has also begun their 2026 legislative session. This year, state legislators will be tasked with considering and passing bills and crafting the next two-year state budget by April 15th. Advocating for effective state policy change is an important part of KOHC’s work that supports the coalition’s goals of improving access to care and increasing oral health awareness.  

At the December Annual Meeting, KOHC members came together to vote on the 2026 KOHC Policy Agenda, which includes:  

  1. Protecting community water fluoridation programs is one of the most cost-effective ways to prevent tooth decay, especially for children and families with limited access to dental care. In Kentucky, where many rural and low-income communities already face barriers to oral health, fluoridation reduces preventable health costs and supports young people from missing school due to health issues related to their teeth. 
    1. Take Action Now: House Bill 103 and Senate Bill 55 aim to make water fluoridation programs optional in Kentucky. Call your state Representative and Senator today and ask them to protect community water fluoridation programs!  
  2. Expanding practice settings for Public Health Registered Dental Hygienists (PHRDHs) to include Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) could help address gaps in access across the Commonwealth, increase preventive visits, and help connect children to a permanent dental home. 
  3. Increasing Medicaid reimbursement rates, which have remained unchanged for over 20 years and contribute to low provider participation in Medicaid, would help stabilize dental practices and make it easier for providers to serve Medicaid patients, allowing expanded dental benefits to more effectively improve oral health outcomes across the Commonwealth. 

These priorities will guide the coalition’s work over the next three months and present opportunities for coalition members to participate in advocacy and take action. Be sure to follow along with KOHC’s listserv and social media as we monitor the action in Frankfort and highlight ways to get involved.