In this report, La Follette students assess Wisconsin Medicaid dental care access and usage to help the Wisconsin Department Health Services target disparities.
Summary
This report assesses disparities in Wisconsin Medicaid members’ access to and usage of dental services by analyzing Medicaid medical claims data, geographic data for dentists and patients, and county-level fluoridation data. Oral health plays a key role in overall health and well-being, with poor oral health linked to various chronic conditions. Despite Wisconsin Medicaid’s comprehensive dental coverage, many participants encounter obstacles in accessing preventive dental services. This report finds significant disparities exist in dental care access and usage along many dimensions. The report recommends piloting a Care Coordination Program, increasing collaboration with the Department of Public Health’s Oral Health Program, expanding mobile dentistry in underserved communities with high concentrations of Medicaid members, and more.
Information
- Course: Workshop in Public Affairs, PA 869 taught by Sarah Halpern-Meekin. Spring 2024
- Authors: Abigail Bishop, McKenna Goetz, Ellie Karls, Alexis Madson, and Stacey Novogoratz
- Client: Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Division of Medicaid Services