Part of the Solution!! wrote on Apr 16, 2007 10:33 AM:
" As an area dental hygienist, I see the MA problems every day from both sides. Us hygienists need the communities support for the new dental hygiene position entitled Advanced Dental Hygiene Practitioner (ADHP). This is a masters degree program similar to the Nurse Practioner. It would allow us hygienists to practice in other setting, such as nursing homes, schools, hospitals, clinics and provide more than just hygiene services. We would be able to do basic fillings and extractions. There is a surplus of hygienists, and the numbers of dentist will continue to go down. Let's consider furthering the education of hygienists to provide more care for our underserved populations. For more information access the American Dental Hygienists' Association at www.adha.org. "
FYI wrote on Apr 15, 2007 6:53 PM:
" Every dentist that I have ever gone to would accept payments in advance for future procedures. I have a $800 crown that I will have to get, but until I am able, I can make small payments towards it. Fillings are cheaper than that. I think that should be manageable for just about anyone. "
Mother and insured wrote on Apr 15, 2007 6:47 PM:
" Children should not be denied any medical coverage because of the income of thier parents. If a parent is lazy and wants to mooch off of other people and the government (and I'm NOT saying that all people on welfare do) then that's their own choice. The children shouldn't suffer for it! "
Carol wrote on Apr 15, 2007 8:03 AM:
" Dentists became greedy, highly political and very influential and convinced legislators that fluoridation would solve the tooth decay crisis. After 60 years of water fluoridation, tooth decay is rising. And dentists refuse to treat the Americans with the most tooth decay, holding them hostage until the government gives them more money to do so.
Dental Health Aide Therapists (DHATs) are able to drill fill and pull teeth in mouths and communities where dentists refuse to go and for current Medicaid dollars. DHATs work successfully in many other countries including Canada just as effectively and more cheaply than dentists.
Organized dentistry is suing to have the first DHAT program in Alaska stopped. No dentist will fix the teeth of some rural Alaskans; but they won't allow any one else to, either.
Always, follow the money
"
missing mom and dad wrote on Apr 15, 2007 2:15 AM:
" My dad would've turned 76 years old today but my parents died 8 years ago because he lost his job due to a Corporate takeover of a local small business and lost his medical coverage that he worked all his life for. Both of my parents were turned down for medical tests that they needed because they didnt have the medical insurance to cover the tests. The doctors turned them down and pumped them full of prescriptions instead of getting to the root of their health problems which led to their deaths. I tried to talk to the doctor but he told me since they didnt have insurance we couldnt perform the tests needed. "
American Citizen wrote on Apr 15, 2007 2:08 AM:
" Whatever happened to America. Less then a couple decades ago anyone could afford to go to the doctor or dentist and be able to afford it without insurance. Now you cant even get treatment without insurance. Medical costs have skyrocketed through the roof. What happened in the past 30 years? Where are we going? Medical insurance shouldnt be a benefit it should be a necessity for everyone in this country. Maybe we should start looking at the wages of these facilities and see where all the profits are going? "
Anon. wrote on Apr 14, 2007 9:44 PM:
" personally all employers should include normal dental coverage as a part of the benefits package they give their employees however I work for a decent employer that provides me with health insurance but no "normal" dental benefits outside of a reimbursement account where I have to pay for it first and then submit all of my expenses and then hope that those expenses don't exceed 1K/year.... try doing dental care for a family on that... "
another MA recipient wrote on Apr 14, 2007 7:48 PM:
" I also have no dental insurance. I served my time in the military and had a daughter. After seperating from the military my daugthers father took off.I get no help what so ever from him. My little girl has a cavity and it will cost $700 to fix and as a single mother putting herself thru college(and working) , that does not leave me $700 to fix her tooth. a 3 yr old should not have to cry of a toothache because I don't have the money? AND I"M NOT SPENDING MY MONEY ON BEER OR CIGGS!
I don't care what you think of me, but think about the little children that are suffering... "
DISAPPOINTED wrote on Apr 14, 2007 7:11 PM:
" I cannot believe that some of you can be so cold hearted. I hope that nothing ever happens to you people who feel that way. Perhaps when something happens to you and you need help some day, you may change your minds. "
Darrel wrote on Apr 14, 2007 4:26 PM:
" Those who attended the recent Ron White show know why the working middle class have to support those we support - "You cant fix stupid"
We cant fix them but thanks to Reps Shilling , Nerison and others we sure can pay their bills ! "
discouraged ------part 2 wrote on Apr 14, 2007 12:58 PM:
" If I went to work, I would be paying out more per hour for someone to stay with him than I would make.After our children both turned 19, we lost the badger care and my husband is covered through another branch of medicaid.I think that if you have worked hard all of your lives and something like this happens, you should be able to get the help you need. So far we do not have the help we need.If anyone is in need that can't get our and work for a reason or another, should get help until they can get back on their feet.I really get mad at those who abuse the system and ruin it for those who really need help. "
discourage part 1 wrote on Apr 14, 2007 12:56 PM:
" My husband is 52.He and I both worked all of our lives since our mid teens.About two years ago he got sick to the point of being dissabled.We have two children.One was going to college but had to quit because the docs. said my husband wasn't going to make it.My son is now is working a fulltime job with medical insurance.Our other child is going to college and is working a parttime job with no medical insurance.We had good medical insurance, including dental before he got sick.We had to go on badger care because we couldn't afford medical insurance anymore due to the fact that half of his social security check went to rent and I am staying home to care for him because he can't be left alone.(CONTINUED TO PART 2) "
Lee wrote on Apr 14, 2007 8:54 AM:
" Just for the record I am UNABLE to work. I am not able. I used to work 70 hours a week, willingly-to take care of my family. Who would choose NOT to work??? NOT to have enough money to keep my house, my car, etc.!!!! AND there is a solution to this. The government should attach a co-payment to each dental procedure that would satisfy the Dentists enough so they would be willing to take the insurance. Then tax payers aren't taking on anymore debt for LAZY people like me. "
If the State wrote on Apr 14, 2007 5:40 AM:
" wants to provide dental care maybe they could help pay for a future dentists school and in return get their service for a number of years.
Sort of a Northern Exposure program for Wisconsin. "
Let the nanny state pay for everything wrote on Apr 14, 2007 5:23 AM:
" Afterall, taxpayers have bottomless wallets. "
no dental insurance wrote on Apr 14, 2007 4:12 AM:
" please give me a list of dentists that will take monthly payments - my dentist doesn't they want payment when services are rendered or want you to sign up for something called care credit, which is a credit card that you make payments on - due to bad luck I had to file bankruptcy and don't qualify for this card- i am a hard working single mother not on assistance who puts money into a cafetia plan and a hsa account every paycheck, but for the kind of work I need on my teeth will take a whole lot of time to build up the kind of money I need for the work I need on my teeth - thank god my son is on his fathers insurance which provides dental care "
JS wrote on Apr 13, 2007 9:17 PM:
" There is one point that has been left out of the arguement. Many of these poorer patients come into emergency for oral health problems because the dentist could not see them. With a check up every 6 months, could that prevent many of these emergency visits that cost taxpayers and hospitals thousands per visit? These preventative health measures save us thousands because once the patient starts getting cavities and gum diseases they have a tendency to get them again. This costs us even more than what we would have originally spent just sending them to the dentist regularly. I am not a big fan of giving out hard earned money, but could the current system of not allowing them to see dentists ultimately be costing us more than what it would cost to send them to the dentist regularly? "
Civil war wrote on Apr 13, 2007 9:07 PM:
" Yea, if you all could reach each other we would have a fight. A couple of things to remember, This country was founded by people who worked hard and it has succeeded because of our great Constitution. Our Constitution does not allow the government to extort from the hard working successful people and give it to the general public. Socialism has never worked and never will! "
State should make sure ALL get dental care.... wrote on Apr 13, 2007 5:51 PM:
" not just the poor - there is a large segment of the population that falls in the middle here who have alot of trouble coming up with $700 for a crown - as a working class family without dental insurance we are not against helping others but we know we are not alone in the frustration that we can't pay higher taxes to help the poor when we can hardly afford dental care for ourselves. "
USA not USSR wrote on Apr 13, 2007 4:11 PM:
" The great thing about this country was that people worked hard to earn things, like medical or dental care. Each person had a reason to work, because THEY had to pay for the services they wanted in life. Now, we head toward the inefficient, bankrupting style of services in the doomed USSR. How sad. "
Cut State Workers Benefits wrote on Apr 13, 2007 3:08 PM:
" Lets give everyone state funded dental insurance!Everyone can turn their voicemail on and say they work for the state you wouldnt be fooling me. Or maybe say your in a meeting to see when the next meeting is! Everyone could be a state worker then.They might even be over qualified. "
re Jake from local physician wrote on Apr 13, 2007 2:36 PM:
" You are correct that I'm living pretty comfortably, and I pay my fair share of taxes. The majority of the patients I take care of are either not insured at all (and the institution where I work eats the cost) or are some sort of public support (ie not paying the full cost of the care rendered). My point is the total lack of compassion from this community or the nation as a whole - yet we find money for much more destructive and counterproductive activities. Talk of having our priorities f***ed up. For all the self-reliant cowboys, I hope fortune continues to smile on you -otherwise too bad. As for those unwed mothers, how many of the unwed FATHERS are likely helping them and their children out? Think of that before you get so self-righteous. "
To Jake wrote on Apr 13, 2007 2:10 PM:
" You need to open your minds to the possibility that there are people in our society who are disabled, and unable to work because their cognitive levels do not allow them too. It is the OUR responsiblity to take care of these most vulnerable citizens of our State. We will be judged on our last day on Earth, of how giving we have been to each other. I feel sorry for those of you who do not change, as hell & torment will be yours forever! And your cries will not be heard because of your selfish ways now. "
Must be nice to be so perfect... wrote on Apr 13, 2007 1:48 PM:
" Wow! It's nice to know that we've got such compassionate, kind hearted people living in our society. The view must be breathtaking from up on your high horses. We should all be as lucky as you are with never having to turn to another for help when you are in need.
Not everyone who is on some sort of publis assistance is a lazy, low life who has no job. I know that there are many who do abuse the system, but is it fair to lump everyone into that category just because they require help? I am a single mother with a good job and good insurance, but there was a time when I was received assistance. I was going to school and working 2-3 jobs at the time.
Take a good, long look in the mirror. Nobody's perfect. Not even you. "
Former Badgercare recipient.... wrote on Apr 13, 2007 1:29 PM:
" I have been on Badgercare in the past, and I knew that there were really no dentists who accepted MA. I believed that it was important to take care of our teeth, so I paid for our dental care out of my own pocket. For myself and my two children to all have cleanings it was about $150.00. I made payments to my dentist over 6 months, and it was only $25.00 a month. Some will say they can't afford that, I doubt it...it is about priorities. I don't believe people who say that the dentist won't allow them to pay cash either, that is a lie. Maybe a dentist won't allow someone to make payments if they are a new patient, but any business (if they are reputable) will take cash. If dental care truly is important, then there is a way. "
SICK OF IT wrote on Apr 13, 2007 1:07 PM:
" I don't have dental insurance but vowed that my children's teeth would be taken care of BY ME. I remember budgeting for the dental visits while watching a young person walk out of the office and "whip out" her assistance card and never think twice. Maybe people should think twice and re-examine what "they deserve". "
Jake wrote on Apr 13, 2007 12:43 PM:
" Why is this the responsibilty of the State to provide dental insurance? If having dental insurance is a priority to you, and you are "poor" may I suggest that you budget what little money you claim to have and put it towards the insurance premiums? What we call poor in the USA hardly qualifies. How many of our "poor" that can't afford dental insurance have TV's, Microwaves, Internet, 2 cars, etc, etc? Suck it up buttercup, if you want good teeth you can pay for it like everybody else. "
Tom Tupper wrote on Apr 13, 2007 12:33 PM:
" The comment from the, "Get A Job person" is a classic case of ignorance and selfishness. Who ever you are, count yourself fortunate that you have a job and can continue to boast how you supported yourself by working, in order to get your health and dental care. You are blinded by your good fortune. How do you know what everyones situation is during the course of their life that prevents them from receiving dental care? Yes, some people don't want to work, but these dentists are not just talking about non working people. They are talking about people who just can't afford to take their children to the dentist because of low wages or misfortune in their life. "
Dentist wrote on Apr 13, 2007 11:48 AM:
" Have you noticed that the front runners have built the TajMahals that office their practices. Now they have to pay for them. They are salivating for legislation like this as the Chiro's did when they were encompassed in the same insurance and rights the Physicians were by a higher court decision. A portion of this is all about money, more money, and greed. "
To: sjal925 wrote on Apr 13, 2007 11:44 AM:
" I agree completely! If you are so needy that you need to get food stamps, you should only be entitled to buy healthy foods! Also, some folks on Badgercare pay a monthly premium. Not everyone CAN get a job with affordable healthcare provided. I don't understand why people can't have the option to pay the difference between what MA/Badgercare will pay and what the dentist will charge. Does that make any sense?? Traditional dental insurance requires a co-pay by participants why can't MA do the same? "
TO LEE wrote on Apr 13, 2007 11:27 AM:
" is this the kind of disability that absolutely prevents you from working? or is it the kind that makes it challenging? the last time i checked disability was not an excuse for laziness. "
to krusty wrote on Apr 13, 2007 11:23 AM:
" nice comment.sadly however,i really dont want to walk around looking at toothless freaks.it turns my stomach. "
Lee wrote on Apr 13, 2007 10:38 AM:
" I also wanted to say that the pay scale for dental care should have been raised years ago. This isn't anything new. And for all of you that are concerned about where the money for this will come from? Ask the current administration how much of your money is funding the war. Or the space program. ETC. Please quit using that old story. We are all humans and sometimes we get in situations we have no control over. Maybe you are one of the few who would rather have your family and yourself die before you would ask for help. I am not. BTW- this computer I am using? It was donated to me. "
Lee wrote on Apr 13, 2007 10:33 AM:
" For all those that say get a job-etc. For one thing most of the people that have jobs and still qualify for Medical Assistance don't get dental insurance. For another thing-do you all really think that everyone on Medical assistance are able to work? I am disabled. I receive MA. I have not been able to see a dentist since my disability. Neither has my 9 year old daughter. Is that fair? I paid my taxes, owned my home, etc. It could happen to you. "
Krusty wrote on Apr 13, 2007 10:07 AM:
" What do poor people need teeth for anyway? Let them eat cake... "
something to think about wrote on Apr 13, 2007 10:04 AM:
" Tooth decay IS preventable. A toothbrush, toothpaste and some floss is a lot cheaper than fillings. "
To "Fusterated" wrote on Apr 13, 2007 10:04 AM:
" I can definatley see where you're comming from, they won't even let me pay all cash for braces. "you need better insurance" is all they say. There is 1 orthodontist in the entire area that takes badger care. he takes the first 10 callers only twice a year. what are the chances of us getting in. It blows not having nice teeth like everyone else. And to all of you who are complaining about people like us, that is just rediculous. You all get nice straight, shiny bright smiles, why can't we? Even if we take excellent care of our teeth, we still need a dentist. "
disgusted wrote on Apr 13, 2007 10:01 AM:
" I just shake my head when I see some of these redundant comments. All of you passing judgement on people who are on public assistance. As someone mentioned before, will you be so quick to judge if it ever happens to you? And what makes me laugh is, you all have friends who are on public assistance and you don't even know it. It's not something most people brag about BECAUSE of the stigma that is attached to it. Think about how ignorant you sound with your rantings, when you are talking to other people. You'd be surprised who you are talking to... "
REVAMP ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS wrote on Apr 13, 2007 9:38 AM:
" I read the posting from To: Get a Job and I can see her point. Assistance should be provided to people who really need it. The problem, though, is the abuse of the system. The single 22 year old mother with three children from three different fathers; Accountability, people. I would rather have my tax dollars going to policing the abusers of the systems then to the people that really just need to GET A JOB. "
Disgusted at you all. wrote on Apr 13, 2007 9:06 AM:
" How can you be on such a high horse? You may have a job, but in today's world, how can you be sure you will always have it? Someday, god forbid, you may too find yourself on Medical Assistance without your precious dental or medical insurance and see how your feelings change. Just because someone is on financial assistance, doesn't mean they don't work or try to work. I've seen people working full time and STILL be on MA because thier employer doesn't offer insurance. Most of you are stereotyping people. NOt everyone on MA goes and spends their money foolishly. Think about it - if it were YOU - how would you feel???? "
sjal925 wrote on Apr 13, 2007 9:02 AM:
" what ever happen to treating others as you would like to be treated?yeah,it sucks shelling out money i would rather keep, but if i was ever in need i would like to think that i had someone to turn to.wouldnt you?you say that will never happen and i hope it never does,but none of us knows the future.even good people have bad days.the idea is not the problem, it is how the government executes it.poor judgement and greed. "
jesse wrote on Apr 13, 2007 8:53 AM:
" as far as dental goes,the few that do accept state recipients will not let you make an appointment.you have to call every morning and hope someone canceled so you can have the time slot.and ofcourse if you work,you are expected to get off work.the unwed mother comment is just narrow minded and idiotic.they can fix the budget short by cutting off the college students who dont have children. i will bet theres lots useful money in that SCAM "
Something is wrong wrote on Apr 13, 2007 8:46 AM:
" Why can't the richest nation in the world provide dental coverage to kids? What has happened to our society that we are turning our backs to our most vulnerable resource. As a christian conservative, I am sickened by some people's lack of compasion. There are bigger issues in this world than taxes. "
sjal925 wrote on Apr 13, 2007 8:43 AM:
" somewhat off the subject..it is my opinion that people who recieve food benefits from the state should not be allowed to use it to purchase candy, soda and junk.that will lead to better tooth health and overall health.we cant stop them from buying it with their money but we sure as heck shouldnt have to pay for it. "
MA recipients wrote on Apr 13, 2007 8:41 AM:
" Why can't they pay the dentist cash? That's messed up! If someone is willing to fork over the money, I say let them. I've never had dental insurance. I'll be paying over $1000 this year for dental work. I'm not saying someone else should have to pay for it; but this is the US of A. Better healthcare for all of it's citizens should be at the top of the list. "
To: Get a Job wrote on Apr 13, 2007 8:36 AM:
" I have a mother, sister and son, all on MA. My mother worked her whole adult life, retired, got ill, lives in a nursing home, which means her social security income is taken up by the monthly fee (she was private pay until she ran out of money, which doesn't take long at about $5,000/mo.). My sister was a working nurse who had a brain aneurysm and is disabled due to the damage caused when it burst. She lives in the same nursing home as my mom. My son was working full time, was in a car accident in which he had no fault, and is now disabled. Be careful...any of these things could happen to you, then what group will you be lumped in with? "
Scott M wrote on Apr 13, 2007 8:33 AM:
" Why is it "The State's" responsibility to provide dental care ? I am a parent and I provide dental care for my wife , son and myself. Maybe you should get a job or stop spending on tattoos , cigs or alcohol and pay the dentist!! Boys , dont breed 'em if you cant feed 'em. (or pay to fix their teeth) I have no problem paying my own dental bills but am quite sick of paying for others. "
Hello?! wrote on Apr 13, 2007 8:32 AM:
" How about getting input from those who will be paying for it? Sorry, but I have a hard enough time making my own bills. I can't afford to help chip in for everyone else. "
Jake, Re, local physician wrote on Apr 13, 2007 8:22 AM:
" How much of your own time, services, and money are you kicking in to help the poor? I'm guessing you're living pretty comfortable, but yet you want the middle class to pay even more to help the "non-working" I don't have dental insurance myself and I work 40 hours a week, but you suggest I should pay even more of my taxes to make sure the lazy, poor, and unwed mothers have dental? "
Look wrote on Apr 13, 2007 7:40 AM:
" We now know that County employed domestic partners will receive dental coverage for live in heterosexual pals. What we do not hear in this article is if School, and City employees receive dental coverage. People, this is not a 'health crisis'. Give it a name that is appropriate and correct! It is a private sector workers health care crisis'. I'll bet the politicians have their butts covered as well. Say, what was the follow up on the secret smarmy funds that they were to give back for post retirement health coverage? We are to sit as if we cannot figure this out. "
Respect for the taxpayer wrote on Apr 13, 2007 7:34 AM:
" OK, but all the people getting assistance at the expense of the hard working taxpayer need to have discipline. This includes no soda, cigarettes, alcohol, junk food, etc. I know many hard working people including myself that have never wasted money on these items and I sure don't want to pay for them for others. Tax dollars are extorted from hard working people and given to others when they waste their money, and that is not right or Constitutional. "
Get a Job! wrote on Apr 13, 2007 6:50 AM:
" Gee, back when I was a young adult (18-22), I went to college, worked 30 hours a week and saved, saved, saved (as much as possible.) I got a good job, with mediocre dental coverage, and used some of my savings (and later medical savings account) to pay for my, and my family's, dental expenses. Gee, I didn't realize I should sit on my rump, watch Montel and let John and Jane Q. Taxpayer pay for my dental coverage. Maybe the, ah, Reverannd Jacksun or Sharpton can get us to fork over our hard-earned bucks for Johnny Neer-do-well's dental care. "
local physician wrote on Apr 13, 2007 6:42 AM:
" EVERYONE should get access to quality medical AND dental care irrespective of their ability to pay. This is a national disgrace - we can pay almost half a trillion dollars for a foolish, pointless war (and billions in payout to Iraqi civilians for damages/compensation/guilt) but our OWN people are out of luck if out of money. We have plenty of money for our weapons for our legions in this militaristic society (something we cant admit to ourselves)but money to keep our citizens healthy? Nah, "NO NEW TAXES". What BS. "
Frustrated wrote on Apr 13, 2007 4:19 AM:
" I receive medical assistance and cannot find a dentist and because of federal or state regulations, I cannot even pay a dentist cash to get dental treatment for my kids because the dentists cannot accept cash payments from MA recipients,
Yes, we do try to take care of our teeth and I do not let my kids eat junk food, drink soda, etc. "
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