Medicaid Dental Benefit Act of 2026
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
The Medicaid Dental Benefit Act of 2026 would amend federal Medicaid law to require states to cover dental and oral health services for adult enrollees, rather than treating adult dental coverage as optional, as it generally is today. The required services would include dentures, implants, and care to prevent oral disease, restore oral function, reduce pain, and treat emergency dental conditions. States could still choose to offer additional dental benefits beyond this baseline. To help states cover the added cost, the federal government would temporarily pay 100 percent of the cost of these newly mandated services for a 12-quarter (three-year) period beginning January 1, 2028, for states and DC, and for a similar transition period for U.S. territories, which could opt to apply the requirement rather than being mandated.
The bill primarily affects adults enrolled in Medicaid, state Medicaid programs, and dental/health care providers. It also directs the Department of Health and Human Services to develop adult oral health quality and equity measures, requires states to report data on dental benefits and outcomes (broken down by race, ethnicity, disability, and other categories), and requires a report from the Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission on adult oral health access. It also calls for an HHS outreach and education program to inform enrollees about dental coverage and connect them to care.
The bill was introduced in the Senate on July 22, 2026, by Sen. Angela Alsobrooks and referred to the Senate Finance Committee. It has not yet been voted on, and would need committee action and passage by both chambers before it could become law.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Medicaid Dental Benefit Act of 2026
This bill requires state Medicaid programs to cover dental and oral health services for adults. It also increases the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (i.e., federal matching rate) for such services.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services must develop oral health quality and equity measures and conduct outreach relating to such coverage. Additionally, the Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Payment and Access Commission must report on specified information relating to adult oral health care.
Timeline
22 Jul 2026
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Common questions
- What does S. 5091 do?
- The Medicaid Dental Benefit Act of 2026 would amend federal Medicaid law to require states to cover dental and oral health services for adult enrollees, rather than treating adult dental coverage as optional, as it generally is today. The required services would include dentures, implants, and care to prevent oral disease, restore oral function, reduce pain, and treat emergency dental conditions. States could still choose to offer additional dental benefits beyond this baseline. To help states cover the added cost, the federal government would temporarily pay 100 percent of the cost of these newly mandated services for a 12-quarter (three-year) period beginning January 1, 2028, for states and DC, and for a similar transition period for U.S. territories, which could opt to apply the requirement rather than being mandated. The bill primarily affects adults enrolled in Medicaid, state Medicaid programs, and dental/health care providers. It also directs the Department of Health and Human Services to develop adult oral health quality and equity measures, requires states to report data on dental benefits and outcomes (broken down by race, ethnicity, disability, and other categories), and requires a report from the Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission on adult oral health access. It also calls for an HHS outreach and education program to inform enrollees about dental coverage and connect them to care. The bill was introduced in the Senate on July 22, 2026, by Sen. Angela Alsobrooks and referred to the Senate Finance Committee. It has not yet been voted on, and would need committee action and passage by both chambers before it could become law.
- Has S. 5091 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for S. 5091. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored S. 5091?
- S. 5091 was sponsored by Sen. Alsobrooks, Angela D. [D-MD] (D-MD), with 0 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on S. 5091?
- 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
Ensuring Kids Have Access to Medically Necessary Dental Care Act
Medicare Dental Benefit Act of 2026
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