ALTCS dental benefit restoration
Eligible ALTCS members gained access to up to $1,000 in dental services each year, helping to treat pain, infection, and other serious oral health conditions.
The Legislature allocated $2.6 million in state funding to support restoration of the dental benefit.
State funding was expected to receive a three-to-one federal match, increasing the available program funding to approximately $10.4 million.
The benefit was intended to serve approximately 25,000 Arizonans classified as developmentally disabled, elderly disabled, or physically disabled.
Each eligible member could receive up to $1,000 in dental services annually.
Why was restoration necessary
This population last had dedicated dental coverage in 2006. Limited services remained available through the AHCCCS adult emergency benefit until the program was eliminated in 2009.
Years without coverage contributed to untreated disease, pain, infection, and broader health complications for people who often faced significant barriers to care.
- Residents with developmental disabilities.
- Older adults who qualified because of disability.
- Residents with qualifying physical disabilities.
- ALTCS members facing untreated pain or infection.
AHCCCS was responsible for implementing the restored program, with an anticipated start date of October 2016. AzDA planned to provide technical assistance during implementation.
