MONTPELIER, Vt. -
There's no doubt universal health care is coming to Vermont.
Lawmakers are working on plans and talking to insurance companies about what type of coverage will be offered in 2013.
What we don't know is if those plans will include dental coverage for adults.
If they do, it would cost taxpayers as much as $90-million dollars a year.
At minimum, $17 million which will cover two annual cleanings.
On Thursday, a state board was set to vote on that, but then backed off.
"This is a weighty decision that I think just takes some more time on our part," said Green Mountain Care board member Karen Hein.
"If we defer this, that the board keeps a totally open mind as we move forward because it is an essential service," said Green Mountain Care board member Con Hogan.
Vermont's Health Care Reform Director Robin Lunge has urged the state board not to include dental.
But many others disagree.
Over the past few weeks board members say they have heard from nearly 2,000 people, both for and against.
And now they need at least another week before they make a decision that could cost the state millions of dollars.
"I don't think we've had sufficient time to observe some of the details and the richness of those suggestions," said Hein.
Unlike medical, the federal government has said it won't cover dental insurance.
That means if state leaders add it, taxpayers have to pick up the bill.
"They wanted to discourage state's from adding benefits," said Lunge.
If the board doesn't approve the dental plan, it doesn't mean it won't be offered.
There will be separate plans that people will be able to get that include that service.
