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April 27, 2021
Statement from Dr. Myechia Minter-Jordan: “Dental care is essential health care. If we value the lives of seniors and people with disabilities, there is no question that we must strengthen Medicare coverage to include oral health care.”
On April 25, seventeen United States Senators sent a letter to President Biden, calling on the president to strengthen Medicare coverage in his American Families Plan, expected to be unveiled as early as today. The Senators specifically argue for the inclusion of dental benefits, citing a “dental crisis in America” that is taking a particularly acute toll on our nation’s seniors.
Today, CareQuest Institute for Oral Health CEO and President Dr. Myechia Minter-Jordan issued the following statement commending the Senators for their support of Medicare dental benefits and urging the Biden Administration to strengthen Medicare to include dental coverage through the American Families Plan.
The following is a statement from CareQuest Institute CEO and President Dr. Myechia Minter-Jordan
“Seniors and people with disabilities served by the Medicare program are left without access to necessary dental coverage.
Dental care is essential health care with direct ties to chronic illness and mental health diseases. Many Americans enter their retirement years with good oral health due to a lifetime of employer-sponsored dental benefits. Yet they are often surprised to discover that traditional Medicare does not cover preventive dental care. To leave our seniors without access to this essential health care is to abandon their overall health and wellness at the very time they need it most.
I commend Senator Sanders and the 16 Senators from across the country for their leadership and strong advocacy for the inclusion of dental benefits to strengthen the Medicare program. This country is in the midst of an oral health crisis, and it has only been exacerbated by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. If we value the lives of seniors and people with disabilities, there is no question that we must strengthen Medicare coverage to include dental benefits.”
About CareQuest Institute for Oral Health
CareQuest Institute for Oral Health is a national nonprofit championing a more equitable future where every person can reach their full potential through excellent health. We do this through our work in grantmaking, research, health improvement programs, policy and advocacy, and education as well as our leadership in dental benefits, care delivery, and innovation advancements. We collaborate with thought leaders, health care providers, patients, and local, state, and federal stakeholders to accelerate oral health care transformation and create a system designed for everyone. To learn more, visit carequest.org.
Direct Media Inquiries to:
Kristin LaRoche
klaroche@carequest.org
857-275-5038