Sen. Bernie Sanders introduced a bill May 17 to expand dental care coverage for veterans and low-income individuals as well as increase the oral healthcare workforce.
Five things to know:
1. The Comprehensive Dental Care Reform Act of 2024 would expand the Medicare, Medicaid, and Veterans Affairs programs to include comprehensive dental care coverage, according to a May 17 news release.
2. The bill would also expand the oral healthcare workforce, particularly in rural and under-served areas, and increase reimbursement rates for dental procedures under Medicaid.
3. Additionally, the legislation would work to bring more dental care services to community health centers, schools, nursing homes and mobile units.
4. The bill comes after Mr. Sanders led a hearing with the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions about oral health issues.
5. The legislation has been endorsed by several organizations, including the CareQuest Institute for Oral Health.