Senate Bill 980: The Smile Act
Introduction
The Smile Act aligns law with regulations regarding lab-processed crowns, and ensures dental implants are a covered benefit under Medi-Cal.
“We have an aging population that needs teeth to have a good quality of life. Proactive investments in oral health for our most vulnerable will reduce pressures on our healthcare system and yield long-term savings in other healthcare domains,” says Senator Wahab. “There is no point in being the fourth largest economy if we don’t provide for our vulnerable communities.”
- Senator Wahab
About
First, in order to qualify for Medi-Cal, a family must be at 138% of the poverty level. According to the Department of Health Care Services, about one-third of California’s population is enrolled in Medi-Cal. Medi-Cal currently provides a core set of health benefits, including doctor visits, hospital care, immunization, pregnancy-related services, and nursing home care. Further, it also offers comprehensive preventative and restorative dental benefits to both children and adults.
However, a 2022 California Health Interview Survey found that 61.6% of adults reported fair to poor condition of teeth or no natural teeth.
Data from the 2016 California Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Survey found that 15% of California’s rural seniors have had all of their teeth pulled due to decay or gum disease, as compared to 8% of non-rural seniors.
Current Medi-Cal regulations provide crowns to patients ages 13 and over, but the law only provides for ages 21 and over.
Overview
- The Smile Act, officially known as SB 980, aims to address the gaps in dental care coverage under Medi-Cal, ensuring that all Californians have access to essential dental services.
Support
- Endorsements: Backed by dental professionals, healthcare advocates, and community organizations.
- Legislative support: SB 980 enjoys bipartisan backing in California’s Legislature.
Challenges
- Limited coverage: Currently, dental implants are not covered by Medi- Cal, creating barriers to access.
- Financial barriers: Medi-Cal families often can’t afford out-of-pocket costs for dental implants.
Call To Action
- Advocate for passage: Support The Smile Act by contacting legislators to expand dental coverage.
- Raise awareness: Spread the word on oral health importance and the need for comprehensive coverage.
Supporters
- California Alliance for Retired Americans (Co-Sponsor)
- AARP
- California Association of Orthodontists
- California Conference of Machinists
- Courage California
- Healthy California Now
- Jewish Family Services of Los Angeles
- National Union of Healthcare Workers (NUHW)
- United Domestic Workers (UDW)
- UNITE HERE
- Western Center on Law and Poverty
Testimonials
SB 980 will give me the peace of mind of knowing that—despite the gaps in dental coverage and care—dental implants will be a covered benefit for me and the millions of Californians who depend on Medi-Cal for their dental coverage, especially for seniors and people with disabilities.
Angela Gardener
Board of Directors, Healthy California Now Coalition
Member, California Alliance for Retired Americans
Share Your Story
What does your smile mean to you? How would access to dental implants change your life? How have they affected you already? Please fill out the linked webform to share your story on why The SMILE Act is important to you and your loved ones. This testimony can help us get The SMILE Act to the Governor’s desk.
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