Curry bill restoring some dental coverage to Medicaid passes PA House
Rep. Gina H. Curry June 25, 2025 | 10:14 AM
HARRISBURG, June 25 – State Rep. Gina H. Curry today announced that her legislation restoring Medicaid coverage of root canals, periodontal disease treatment, and emergency exams passed the PA House Tuesday by a vote of 154-49.
These conditions were once covered by Medicaid plans, but cuts in 2011 removed them from the list of covered dental procedures. If House Bill 583 passes the Senate, these dental services will again be available to Pennsylvania’s lowest earners.
“We know that people living in low-income communities have restricted access to high quality foods because of food deserts. We know that low-quality, high-sugar foods contribute to tooth decay. We also know that low-income families have a harder time making it to health and dental appointments because of transit, job, and financial restraints,” said Curry. “Not providing Medicaid coverage of significant dental services to people already at such disadvantage is irresponsible.”
Curry said good oral hygiene impacts people’s ability to eat well and speak clearly, and regular dental visits play a role in screening for oral, head, and neck cancers. Emergency dental work is also notoriously expensive, leading many low-wage earners to forego necessary treatments. Endodontic and periodontic work is often the needed treatment in cases of extreme tooth and oral pain.
“No one should have to choose to live with severe tooth pain simply because the cost of alleviating it means skipping other life necessities, like food or electricity,” said Curry. “This bill helps remove some of that financial burden.”
Current Medicaid plans already cover routine cleanings and fillings. They will continue to be covered under HB 583.
The bill now heads to the Senate for consideration.