H.R. 9831 · Where this bill is now
In committee
Introduced in the House, sent to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, Jul 22, 2026
What this bill does
In plain words · AI-written from the official summaryMedicaid adds dental coverage for adults
Right now, most state Medicaid programs don't have to cover dental care for adults, even though tooth and gum health matters. This bill would require every state to include dental and oral health services in their Medicaid coverage. It also increases the amount of federal money that helps pay for these services, making it easier for states to afford them.
How it affects you
If you're an adult on Medicaid, this could mean you'd get dental coverage you might not have had before, including checkups, cleanings, and other oral health care. The bill also asks federal agencies to measure how well dental care is being provided and to make sure it reaches people fairly.
Read the official summary (Introduced in House, Jul 22, 2026)
Medicaid Dental Benefit Act of 2026
This bill requires state Medicaid programs to cover dental and oral health services for adults. It also increases the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (i.e., federal matching rate) for such services.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services must develop oral health quality and equity measures and conduct outreach relating to such coverage. Additionally, the Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Payment and Access Commission must report on specified information relating to adult oral health care.
Written by AI (Claude) using only the official summary by the Congressional Research Service, the Library of Congress’s nonpartisan research staff. It can miss nuance, so check the official summary and the bill text for details.
2nd SessionH. R. 9831
A BILL
Medicaid Dental Benefit Act of 2026
Sponsor: Rep. Nanette Diaz Barragán (D-CA-44) · Introduced Jul 22, 2026 · Health · 1 version of the text
Sources: Congress.gov actions and votes · bill text from GovInfo · latest official action Jul 22, 2026: “Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.”