Letter to Governor Newsom

In the 2020-2021 May Revision to the Governor’s Budget, it was announced that California is facing a shortfall of $54 billion due the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. In this budget revision, Governor Newsom proposed to reduce adult dental benefits down to 2014 levels. We know that this partial reduction will lead to negative long-term consequences on oral health and access to services. We hope that Governor Newsom prioritizes California’s most vulnerable communities of color and people with disabilities and ensure that they have access to affordable oral health care.

*Update: As of June 29, 2020, a budget agreement was reached for the fiscal year 20-21. “In a significant departure from his May budget revision proposal, Governor Newsom agreed to abandon most of the proposed reductions to health services, including dental care. Most importantly, California will maintain the Medi-Cal adult dental benefit, including coverage for gum treatment, rear root canals, and partial dentures.”  — CA OPEN SPECIAL ALERT