As Kentuckians across the state welcome warmer weather and summer break, KOHC is also taking time to celebrate Oral Health Month throughout June. Oral Health Month is a time to recognize the importance of oral health and build awareness of positive oral health habits and outcomes.
This means not only engaging in positive oral health behaviors like daily brushing and flossing, and regularly visiting a dentist, but also understanding and advocating for policies that make oral health care more accessible and affordable. June is a critical time for advocacy in Washington DC as Congress is racing to finalize a budget reconciliation bill that will define government spending over the next ten years.
While this legislation spans hundreds of programs and trillions of dollars, advocates across the country have their eyes on a few key components that could have big impacts. The House has passed their version of this bill which is closely aligned with priorities of the Trump administration to cut spending and reduce waste within certain programs, including Medicaid and SNAP, which both carry big implications for health and oral health of Kentuckians.
While the House’s budget bill does not include straightforward funding cuts to these programs, it does include eligibility changes, work requirements, and increased renewals, all of which are likely to lead to fewer Kentuckians accessing these vital programs. The Medicaid program provides insurance coverage for nearly one in three Kentucky adults, many of whom could not afford to access the health and oral health care they need without it. SNAP is an important nutrition program that allows eligible Kentuckians to purchase nutritious foods for their families – which is vitally important to oral health and overall health.
In addition to the impacts for individuals on Medicaid and SNAP, Kentucky is likely to feel an impact on entire communities. Medicaid payments and SNAP dollars are important drivers of local economies across the state and especially in rural areas where grocery stores and medical facilities account for a large portion of the workforce and economic activity.
What’s Next?
The current proposal from the U.S. House awaits deliberation in the Senate. Once the Senate passes their own version, both chambers will have to agree on a final package before it heads to the president’s desk.
As Congress races toward a final budget package, advocates can contact their federal delegates to encourage passage of a budget that ensures Kentuckians can continue to access healthcare and nutrition programs that are vital to the health and wellbeing of our state.
