Authored by Zachary Stieber via The Epoch Times,Federal health officials on July 22 encouraged state Medicaid officials to stop covering dental fillings containing mercury. "That's why we're urging state Medicaid programs to end the use of mercury-containing dental fillings. The letters to the state officials noted that the Indian Health Service, which provides healthcare to American Indians, announced in February that it would end the use of mercury-containing fillings by 2027, citing "health concerns regarding mercury exposure." Certain groups such as the American Dental Association say amalgam fillings are safe. Alternatives to amalgam fillings include composite resin, porcelain, and glass ionomer.