Iowa Gov. Chet Culver says the state Department of Human Services has started the country's first dental-only program for underinsured children.
The governor's office said Friday that the new dental program is available for children whose family income qualifies them for the Healthy and Well Kids in Iowa program and whose health insurance doesn't include dental care.
The program officially began March 1 and DHS director Charles Krogmeier says as many as 22,000 children could enroll within about a year.
Officials say the program covers routine dental care and medically necessary orthodontia.
Culver says the dental program is a "major step" to give children coverage.
Copyright 2010 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
The governor's office said Friday that the new dental program is available for children whose family income qualifies them for the Healthy and Well Kids in Iowa program and whose health insurance doesn't include dental care.
The program officially began March 1 and DHS director Charles Krogmeier says as many as 22,000 children could enroll within about a year.
Officials say the program covers routine dental care and medically necessary orthodontia.
Culver says the dental program is a "major step" to give children coverage.
Copyright 2010 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
