Despite having the third-largest surplus in history, the caucuses left out "must-have" dental coverage for adults.The coverage amounts to $2 million and would be an ongoing expenditure. Lawmakers cut the benefit five years ago, reinstated it as a one-time only appropriation for this year, and have not included it in the new figures list.

Advocates say they haven't given up, and that legislative leaders can add it — if they can be convinced. Advocates were at the Capitol on Tuesday, lobbying members of the committee and putting out a call to their supporters to e-mail legislators.

Judi Hillman, executive director of the Utah Health Policy Project, said the funding request is not for something extra but simply for basic dental care. Also not on the priority list is $4.2 million requested for reimbursement increases for doctors who treat Medicaid patients and receive about 40 percent of what private insurers pay for the same service.

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Contributing: Lisa Riley Roche, James Thalman, Art Raymond
E-mail: nwarburton@desnews.com or terickson@desnews.com