Medicaid Dental Benefit Act of 2026

The Medicaid Dental Benefit Act of 2026 requires states to cover comprehensive dental and oral health services for adult Medicaid enrollees, with the mandate taking effect in January 2028. To support this expansion, the federal government will reimburse 100% of state expenditures for these new benefits for a period of three years, effectively shifting the financial burden from state budgets to federal funds. The bill also directs the Department of Health and Human Services to establish standardized quality and equity measures for adult oral care and requires states to submit annual reports on access disparities and benefit limitations. Additionally, it authorizes funding for outreach programs designed to educate eligible adults about their new coverage and connects them with culturally competent dental providers.