The impact of medicaid reform on children's dental care utilization in Connecticut, Maryland, and Texas

Abstract

Objective To measure the impact of Medicaid reforms, in particular increases in Medicaid dental fees in Connecticut, Maryland, and Texas, on access to dental care among Medicaid-eligible children. Data 2007 and 2011-2012 National Survey of Children's Health. Study Design Difference-in-differences and triple differences models were used to measure the impact of reforms. Principal Findings Relative to Medicaid-ineligible children and all children from a group of control states, preventive dental care utilization increased among Medicaid-eligible children in Connecticut and Texas. Unmet dental need declined among Medicaid-eligible children in Texas. Conclusions Increasing Medicaid dental fees closer to private insurance fee levels has a significant impact on dental care utilization and unmet dental need among Medicaid-eligible children.