Advocates Applaud Funding for Low Income Needs

None by KCPW

(KCPW News) Advocates say lawmakers have listened to the needs of low-income Utahns and the proposed budget reflects that.

Lawmakers have agreed to fund a long list of health and human services programs totaling 54-million dollars. They opted to put two-million dollars one-time money into dental services for the poor and disabled. Advocates had hoped for ongoing money to guarantee long-term teeth care. The budget instead allocates more money to pay doctors and dentists more for treating Medicaid patients.

Last year, lawmakers took a beating from the public and the press for failing to fund Medicaid dental services. Advocates are generally satisfied with the move. However, they do hope to negotiate more money for the state children's health insurance program and the disability waiting list before the budget is final.

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