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Thursday's letters: Better dental care for the poor

 
Published May 16, 2016

Toothache visits to ER create financial headache | May 6

Better dental care for the poor

A recent article highlighted challenges in delivering dental care to Florida's most vulnerable residents. The study referenced relies upon data from 2005 to 2014, before the implementation of the Statewide Medicaid Managed Care, or SMMC, program. Still, the article raised numerous important points. In fact, the Legislature recognized the need for change when legislators voted to move away from the former fragmented fee-for-service program to a comprehensive coordinated managed care model under the SMMC program, which was implemented in 2014.

Florida's Medicaid plans have incentive to keep their members out of costly emergency rooms and recognize that good oral health is directly linked to good overall health. Florida's Medicaid director recently reported to the Legislature about improved access to dentists — a 26 percent increase in the number of providers for year one of SMMC.

In addition to improved access, quality of care has increased. Under SMMC, 43 percent of children in Florida Medicaid have been seen by a dentist in the first year of the program. This in the wake of findings by the Health Policy Institute and the American Dental Association showing that dental care among children in Florida Medicaid, over the past decade, was 23 to 26 percent — one of the lowest rates nationally.

After the 2016 legislative session, Gov. Rick Scott acknowledged that the plans providing dental services under the SMMC are "operating at their highest-ever performance levels." While the health plans are proud of the improved quality and access provided under the SMMC, there is work left to be done. Health plans continue to strive for the highest quality health outcomes for Florida's most vulnerable population.

Audrey Brown, Tallahassee

The writer is president and CEO of the Florida Association of Health Plans

Culverhouse feud erupts | May 10

A better world is up to you

Your front-page headline was about a Culverhouse family feud. Right below is a story about Alberta — a guide dog that gave five years to help her owner now is losing one of her eyes — and the people around her who all loved her and gave her a special day. In the Local section was John Romano's column about hungry children and those who help feed them over the weekends when they are not in school.

The second and third stories both made me a little sad but also made me feel better about how people help each other and step up when they see the need. The first story made me laugh out loud at the audacity of those insanely rich people. May Joy Culverhouse rest in peace, but really! While there are children who can't eat on the weekends and guide dogs that need surgery, why would I even care about the Culverhouse family and their nasty little fight over a dead body, a very rich dead body?

These three stories made my day. Thank you for making me realize that what really matters is what you do to make this world in which we live in a better place.

Connie Fernandez, Tampa

Jeb Bush won't vote for Trump | May 7

The GOP's failure

Regarding Alex Leary's story, I have this to say: Jeb Bush unknowingly disclosed the reason for his and his party's failure. On his Facebook page he states: "The tremendous anger of the current U.S. electorate … is a result of people … frustrated by the abject failure and inability of leaders in Washington, D.C., to make anything better." His hypocrisy (or ignorance) is his closing statement: "There is no greater priority than ensuring we (Republicans) keep control of both chambers of Congress."

So, to summarize, Bush is suggesting that the angry electorate re-elect the cause of the problems. In my opinion, career politicians will hereafter be placed on short leashes, starting this November, by we the people — the angry electorate.

Michael Harris, Safety Harbor

Fraud a fear but cases rare | May 7

The real reason for voter ID

I remember when my Florida voter registration card I would receive in the mail every few years changed to a "voter information card." At the same time, Florida began requiring a photo ID to vote at the polls.

As your news article reports, voter fraud is very rare, given the millions who vote in our state. While the politicians in Tallahassee said it was intended to solve the problem of voter fraud, it seemed like a solution in search of a problem. Something was fishy.

I finally figured out the true motivation of the politicians when I saw a news report that these photo ID laws were being passed in virtually all states controlled by Republicans to suppress the vote of residents who did not have a photo ID. These residents of Florida are about 10 percent of more than 1 million voters.

They are made up of seniors whose drivers' licenses are expired, the poor who can't afford to own a car, the young who do not yet have a license to drive and those who cannot drive because of medical conditions.

Frank Lupo, St. Petersburg

Voter turnout

Poor voter turnout

The reason for the low participation in primaries is simple: Independents and those with no party affiliation cannot vote. Many other states allow the nonparty people to vote. I don't know of one good reason why Florida shouldn't do the same.

Carol Santure, St. Petersburg