Does Dental Coverage Exists For Undocumented Kids Processed in Murrieta?

Murrieta, CA, July 29, 2014 (Newswire.com) - Earlier this month, California border agents at the Murrieta Border Patrol Station were compelled to turn away buses of undocumented immigrants, mostly kids and women who were transferred from the Texas border.  Many protestors confronted and blocked the immigrants progress bringing to the American forefront the serious national issues associated with undocumented immigrants.  American taxpayers voiced concern about the overwhelming impact to our healthcare system.  Since the Affordable Care Act was implemented in October 2013 including California’s Medicaid Program, affordable health care coverage for all including these immigrants is an economic issue that affects every level of local, state, and federal government.  Kids dental care is provided to a certain extent by non-profit and charitable organizations to these recent undocumented kids.

Currently in the state of California, undocumented immigrants are restricted from accessing federal subsidies to buy Affordable Care Act health and dental insurance, or enrolling in California’s state and federally funded Medicaid program. However, the latest bill presented by Democratic State Senator Ricardo Lara seeks to alter that. State funded Medicaid coverage under legislation known as the Health for All Act may be eligible for undocumented immigrants.

In California, undocumented immigrants are projected to make up the one million uninsured receiving treatments through free or cheap clinics, and emergency rooms.  Federal subsidies, however, under the Health for All Act will reduce federal financial obligations to healthcare service providers that render uncompensated treatment to those without insurance. Theoretically, as more people obtain healthcare insurance, providers will demand less compensation. Due to California having so many undocumented immigrants, clinics and hospitals are fiscally concerned the absent financial backing will eventually be made up.

With the passage of the Affordable Care Act, law expressly restricts applying federal funds to financially cover undocumented immigrants. However, California has recently implemented some public assistance, while immigration reformation appears at a standstill with our nation’s lawmakers.

The vast majority of undocumented immigrants are less likely to have health insurance and thus more likely to prolong health visits due to the lack of information, financial resources and access to health and dental insurance. “Dental health is a very vital part of an individual’s overall health,” states Murrieta dentist Dr. Neff of Golden Triangle Dentistry.  “It is one of those overlooked aspects of overall health where early education or preventative maintenance will help any kid.” Currently, California is required to provide dental benefits to kids covered by Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and for adults-limited dental coverage exists but technically not for undocumented immigrants whether adult or kid.  Any dental assistance for these recent Murrieta undocumented kids should come from non-profit organizations and charities.