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Lorna Benson

Minnesota dentists seek more state aid to treat low-income kids

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Calling Minnesota's payment rates for pediatric dental care the lowest in the nation, a coalition of dental groups Thursday urged lawmakers to raise rates to the average among states.

The Help Minnesota Smile campaign estimates that legislation to increase the reimbursement in Medical Assistance, the state's Medicaid program, would cost up to $100 million over the next two-year budget cycle.

Many Minnesota dentists can't afford to treat low-income patients under current state insurance, said Peter Cannon, president-elect of the Minnesota Dental Association.

A recent study by the American Dental Association found the average Medicaid payment for pediatric dental care in the U.S. is about $49 for every $100 cost.

Cannon said the reimbursement is $27 in Minnesota. "That's not enough to even cover the costs to do the services."

"I mean we knew we weren't good, but when the numbers came out we found out we were dead last," Cannon added. "I think that has kind of resonated with some of the legislators."