Luckily, we don’t live in a world where anyone is debating whether Medicare should cover a broken finger because pinkies aren’t considered an important part of the body. But when it comes to insurance for dental care, that’s how the mouth has long been regarded. Since 1965, when Medicare was created, oral health care was
On the surface, you’d expect dentists to be fond of the Democratic proposal to expand Medicare to include dental (along with vision and hearing) coverage. It’s one of the things progressives are battling to include in the fiscal year 2022 budget reconciliation bill, a.k.a. the Build Back Better package, assuming Democratic centrists don’t shrink the
One of the biggest changes ever proposed to Medicare is working its way through Congress, and if it passes, and is signed into law by President Biden, it would put a smile on the face of tens of millions of beneficiaries—literally. The change would add dental benefits to Medicare for the first time since the
“The ADA has a duty to respond when Congress intends to act on adding a dental benefit to Medicare.” This was one of the key messages in a new FAQ the ADA created in order to explain the ADA’s response to a legislative proposal currently being considered by Congress that would expand the nation’s Medicare
As Congress considers expanding Medicare to include dental benefits as part of the fiscal year 2022 federal budget, the American Dental Association is advocating for a distinct program that would provide comprehensive dental care to low-income older adults. Dr. Klemmedson "We hope that an innovative approach that is adequately funded and efficiently administered and utilizes
The National Poll on Healthy Aging team acknowledges the unprecedented challenges related to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, especially for older adults and their families. Although our work has shifted to a remote format, the NPHA team remains committed to continuing to share poll results to help inform and improve the overall health and well-being of
Sonia Domínguez, 74, and her husband, Miguel Morejón, 81, can’t recall the last time they’ve seen a dentist in Miami, the city they’ve called home for more than two decades. “It may have been around three, four years ago,” said Domínguez. “Probably more.” At issue isn’t a lack of dental problems, but a lack of
Amidst all of the political noise in recent weeks, the House of Representatives passed a policy that could transform health care for tens of millions of Americans. It may even be something that will please everyone. The provision is based on an idea that is wildly popular with voters of all political stripes and backgrounds:
Medicare does not offer much in the way of dental benefits. To get dental coverage, you need to purchase separate and often costly dental insurance or sign up for a Medicare Advantage plan that includes dental care. Advocates for Medicare beneficiaries are arguing for a change. Common dental procedures or supplies, such as cleanings, fillings,
