S. 5091 · Where this bill is now
In committee
Introduced in the Senate, Jul 22, 2026
What this bill does
In plain words · AI-written from the official summaryMedicaid adds dental coverage for adults
Right now, most states don't have to cover dental care for adults on Medicaid, even though many people rely on it. This bill would require every state's Medicaid program to pay for dental and oral health services for adults. It also increases how much federal money goes toward these services to help states afford it.
How it affects you
If you're an adult on Medicaid, this could mean you'd get dental coverage where your state currently doesn't offer it—things like cleanings, exams, and other oral health care. Your state would have more federal funding to make this happen, which could help expand access and keep costs manageable for the program.
Read the official summary (Introduced in Senate, 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 SessionS. 5091
A BILL
Medicaid Dental Benefit Act of 2026
Sponsor: Sen. Angela D. Alsobrooks (D-MD) · 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: “Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.”