Stavros

Advocates for Independent Living

Press Releases

MassHealth Dental Alert

Massachusetts has a long legacy of innovation and leadership in protecting the health of all our residents.

For individuals living with HIV or other disabilities, dental coverage is essential. A diminished ability to fight infection leaves people with HIV at risk of minor troubles escalating into major health problems. Because dental decay is a bacterial infection and can spread to the rest of the body if left untreated, what begins as a cavity can quickly progress into a life-threatening infection. Poor oral health and missing teeth also affect the ability of people with HIV to maintain adequate nutrition. Without adequate nutrition it becomes more difficult to adhere to HIV drug regimens.

The Governor and the House of Representatives have both proposed budgets for FY11 that would eliminate access to most oral health care for the 700,000 adults on MassHealth -- including fillings, root canals, treatment for gum disease, and dentures. Without fillings, dental decay cannot be stopped from spreading throughout the body- the only course of treatment would be extractions.

This is not adequate care. The fight is not over. There is still a chance to save adult MassHealth dental coverage!

As the Senate debates the FY 2011 State Budget, it is critical that we stand up and let our elected officials know that dental care is NOT optional. Please call 617-722-2000 and ask to speak to your State Senator. Tell them that oral health IS overall health and that they must protect adult dental benefits in MassHealth.

For questions or more information about how to get involved, please contact Courtney Chelo at cchelo@hcfama.org or 617-275-2935.

Stavros Board Vice President Wins Award

Nancy Bazanchuk our board Vice President is one of Forty Under Forty for BusinessWest. Nancy is an amazing person! If you want to know more about her and how she received this award click HERE and then click on her name.