National Oral Health Organization Praises Senate Inclusion of Dental Medicare Benefit in “Human Infrastructure” Budget Blueprint

“Millions of older Americans and people with disabilities served by the Medicare program are one step closer to a more equitable health care system.”

Boston, MA — CareQuest Institute for Oral Health, a leading national organization focused on improving oral health, is praising the Senate's inclusion of Medicare dental coverage in its budget blueprint.

Strengthening Medicare by including dental coverage would represent a giant step toward improving health equity, access, and outcomes for seniors and people with disabilities. If passed by Congress, the legislation would help address several troubling trends:

• In 2018, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation, almost half of all Medicare beneficiaries did not have a dental visit, with higher rates among those who are Black (68%), Hispanic (61%), or have low incomes (73%).

• Twenty percent of rural seniors have not seen a dentist in more than five years.

• Poor oral health is linked to conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, respiratory illness, and Alzheimer’s.

• Those without dental benefits are more likely to seek dental care at emergency departments, resulting in suboptimal care and significant costs to the health care system.

CareQuest Institute for Oral Health CEO and President Dr. Myechia Minter-Jordan issued the following statement, applauding senators for including Medicare dental coverage in their budget blueprint.

“Millions of older Americans and people with disabilities served by the Medicare program are one step closer to a more equitable health care system. Thanks to the tireless efforts of Congressional and community champions, dental coverage for Medicare beneficiaries is part of this budget blueprint. Too many Medicare beneficiaries — including a disproportionate number of people of color, Indigenous communities, and rural Americans — have been left without basic oral health care for far too long and the impact on their physical and mental well-being is far too real.

We celebrate progress while continuing to advocate for this necessary policy change.”

Adding dental coverage to Medicare is also popular with voters: A recent CareQuest Institute poll revealed that 8 in 10 voters favored the inclusion of dental benefits in Medicare. Last week, CareQuest Institute joined with a coalition of leading health professionals to send a letter urging Congress to include dental coverage under Medicare.

Direct Media Inquiries to: 
Kristin LaRoche 
klaroche@carequest.org 
857-275-5038

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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.