A bill to expand dental coverage under Medicare, Medicaid, the Affordable Care Act and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives Sept. 17.
The companion bill was introduced by Rep. Debbie Dingell, D-Mich., following legislation proposed by Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., in May. The legislation is an outgrowth of a hearing Mr. Sanders held this spring on oral health access.
Known as the Comprehensive Dental Care Reform Act of 2024, the legislation aims to increase dental coverage for those 65 and older, lower-income Americans and veterans. If passed, it would make dental care an essential health benefit under the Affordable Care Act, increase reimbursement rates for oral health care procedures under Medicaid, include a dental benefit in Medicare and make dental services available in more places, such as community health centers, throughout the country.
The bill also aims to increase funding for health clinics and school-based dental services, authorize funding for research on prevention and disease management, and increase the number of oral health professionals who work in underserved areas.
Source: House bill introduced to expand access to dental care / ADA News