07.25.2018 / Press Release

America’s Seniors Deserve Oral Health Care

Families USA releases joint report with consumer, industry leaders calling for dental coverage in Medicare 

Washington, D.C.—Today, Families USA, in partnership with other leading consumer and health care groups released a comprehensive report documenting how America’s seniors and people with disabilities need better access to oral health care. An Oral Health Benefit in Medicare Part B: It’s Time to Include Oral Health in Health Care examines the need for oral health coverage in the Medicare program and lays out a blueprint of what that coverage could look like, including its cost.

Following is the statement of Families USA’s Executive Director Frederick Isasi:

“Good oral health is critical to overall health. It is unacceptable that Medicare—which covers 59 million people across the country, including seniors and people under 65 with disabilities—doesn’t offer a comprehensive dental benefit.

“This report details the need for Medicare dental coverage and opens the conversation on how oral health needs can be addressed. A growing body of evidence is showing the mouth-body connection when it comes to health. Untreated cavities and infections lead to heart disease, for example; while gum disease is linked to diabetes. By including a dental benefit in Medicare, we will be making certain that the program is addressing the vital health needs of our seniors and people with disabilities.”

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