Ensuring Kids Have Access to Medically Necessary Dental Care Act
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (22 Jul 2026): Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
What this bill does
S. 5088, the "Ensuring Kids Have Access to Medically Necessary Dental Care Act," would amend the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) provisions of the Social Security Act to strengthen dental coverage for eligible children and, in some cases, pregnant women. First, it would bar states from imposing lifetime or annual dollar limits on dental benefits provided to targeted low-income children—and to targeted low-income pregnant women in states that offer pregnancy-related CHIP assistance—even when dental coverage is delivered through a benchmark-equivalent plan. Second, it would convert an existing state option into a requirement: states would be required (rather than merely permitted) to waive certain rules so that children who have other health coverage but lack dental coverage can receive dental-only "wraparound" coverage through CHIP, and such supplemental dental coverage could not be more generous than the dental coverage given to children receiving full CHIP benefits.
The bill primarily affects children enrolled in or eligible for CHIP, particularly those who currently have coverage caps on dental benefits or who need supplemental dental coverage because their existing health plan doesn't include dental care; some pregnant women covered under CHIP could also be affected. State CHIP agencies would be responsible for implementing these changes, which would take effect six months after enactment.
The bill was introduced in the Senate on July 22, 2026, by Senator Angela Alsobrooks and referred to the Senate Committee on Finance. It has not yet received a committee vote, floor consideration, or further action, and would need to pass both chambers of Congress and be signed by the President before becoming law.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Ensuring Kids Have Access to Medically Necessary Dental Care Act
This bill modifies dental coverage under the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Specifically, the bill prohibits lifetime or annual limits on CHIP dental coverage. It also requires states to offer dental-only supplemental coverage under CHIP to children who have other health insurance but are otherwise eligible for CHIP (i.e., wraparound coverage); such coverage is currently at the option of the state.
Timeline
22 Jul 2026
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Common questions
- What does S. 5088 do?
- S. 5088, the "Ensuring Kids Have Access to Medically Necessary Dental Care Act," would amend the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) provisions of the Social Security Act to strengthen dental coverage for eligible children and, in some cases, pregnant women. First, it would bar states from imposing lifetime or annual dollar limits on dental benefits provided to targeted low-income children—and to targeted low-income pregnant women in states that offer pregnancy-related CHIP assistance—even when dental coverage is delivered through a benchmark-equivalent plan. Second, it would convert an existing state option into a requirement: states would be required (rather than merely permitted) to waive certain rules so that children who have other health coverage but lack dental coverage can receive dental-only "wraparound" coverage through CHIP, and such supplemental dental coverage could not be more generous than the dental coverage given to children receiving full CHIP benefits. The bill primarily affects children enrolled in or eligible for CHIP, particularly those who currently have coverage caps on dental benefits or who need supplemental dental coverage because their existing health plan doesn't include dental care; some pregnant women covered under CHIP could also be affected. State CHIP agencies would be responsible for implementing these changes, which would take effect six months after enactment. The bill was introduced in the Senate on July 22, 2026, by Senator Angela Alsobrooks and referred to the Senate Committee on Finance. It has not yet received a committee vote, floor consideration, or further action, and would need to pass both chambers of Congress and be signed by the President before becoming law.
- Has S. 5088 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for S. 5088. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored S. 5088?
- S. 5088 was sponsored by Sen. Alsobrooks, Angela D. [D-MD] (D-MD), with 0 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on S. 5088?
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance. (22 Jul 2026).
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More bills from Sen. Alsobrooks, Angela D. [D-MD]
Back-to-School Supplies Affordability Act
Senior Accessible Housing Tax Credit Act of 2026
Medicare Dental Benefit Act of 2026
Medicaid Dental Benefit Act of 2026
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