Press Release: Florida SMILES Act to Increase Access to Dental Care For Millions of Floridians

Tallahassee, Fla. - While Congress talks Medicaid cuts, Florida could make dental care more accessible for the 2.1 million adults who obtain their health insurance through Medicaid. In legislation filed by Representatives Angie Nixon, Marie Woodson, and Senator Shevrin Jones, HB 975 and SB 1048 – known as the SMILES Act, or “Strengthening Medicaid in the Interest of Low-Income Economic Self-Sufficiency" - strengthens Florida’s Medicaid program by solidifying the comprehensive benefits promised to adult beneficiaries. Under this bill, dentists will also see an improvement in reimbursements provided by Medicaid for their work helping patients.

Despite the Medicaid managed care plans voluntarily agreeing to cover some expanded benefits for adults in 2014, the reality is that these services are rarely delivered without significant barriers. Through HB 975 and SB 1048, Medicaid-eligible Floridians would be guaranteed consistent coverage of routine diagnostic and preventative care, like dental cleanings, exams, and x-rays, basic and major dental services, and treating emergency conditions. Currently, state law only requires Medicaid plans to cover emergency dental services and procedures needed to prepare the mouth for dentures.

The legislation also has the goal of helping Florida’s disabled population and their caretakers. This group already faces stark disparities in oral health. A 2022 report from the CareQuest Institute found that a greater proportion of individuals in households experiencing disability rate their oral health as fair or poor, compared to households who do not experience disability.

Additionally, HB 975 and SB 1048 isn’t just for patients; the legislation also helps dental providers by increasing reimbursement rates for their work. Florida currently ranks 49th in the nation for Medicaid dental reimbursement rates.

Scott Darius, the Executive Director of Florida Voices for Health, who is supporting the SMILES Act, said “Our work connects us with Floridians all around the state that just want access to affordable health care. These folks include working parents, pregnant moms, disabled children and adults – many of them vulnerable and navigating a health care program that does not consider their needs. Not only will this legislation save taxpayers money, but it will also save many Floridians mountains of debt, pain, and headaches.”

---

The 2.1 million adult Floridians who use Medicaid for their health needs could benefit from the changes considered in HB 975 and SB 1048. Below are just a handful of stories from mothers, caregivers, seniors, and disabled Floridians who have shared their dental nightmares, with hope on the horizon that lawmakers will strengthen dental benefits in the Medicaid program:

Layla Cuevas has always prided herself on taking care of her teeth – but during her pregnancy with her first child, she started losing her teeth. She has one big question for Florida lawmakers. “How come we can’t put more help into this? To me, teeth are important. If (lawmakers) were able to help a little more, just on that part, I think as a mother, if you’re able to get that fixed, mentally you’re going to feel a lot better with yourself. You’re going to want to do things more, get better jobs – it's going to motivate you.”

Patricia Ward is a permanently disabled activist and author living in Florida. She needs dentures, but the expensive procedures she needs is much more than what Medicaid offers. “It’s like a mental and physical disability just in your teeth. Your smile is like your eyes – it's a part of who you are,” she said. “Who don’t want to smile? Give me an opportunity so I can smile too.”

Shaena Morris experienced gum swelling between her first and second pregnancies. Unfortunately, because Medicaid does not cover “deep cleanings”, and out of pocket costs would be thousands of dollars, Shaena has taken steps to leave her beauty industry career because she can’t obtain affordable help. She shares “The community needs to be aware of the importance of having healthy teeth and how it affects many aspects of your life: your job, confidence, and self-esteem. Women particularly need to be aware of how pregnancy can impact your oral health.”

If you would like to cover the legislation, please reach out to Jossie Barroso, Communications Director with Florida Voices for Health at jossie@healthyfla.org. We can put you in contact with storytellers based in Florida whose lives could be improved with the passing of this legislation.

###

About Florida Voices for Health - Florida Voices for Health is a nonprofit advocacy organization working to improve health care outcomes for all Floridians. We are a coalition of community organizations, businesses, and individuals working to create a health care system that works for every Floridian. Our partners work together to bring the latest resources and information into our communities. We also make sure that the stories and the interests of hard working, low and moderate income Floridians are represented in the health reform debate.