Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Representative Elijah Cummings (D-Md.) have introduced the Comprehensive Dental Reform Act aimed at expanding dental coverage through Medicare, Medicaid, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and Department of Veterans Affairs, according to a VT Digger report.
In the Senate, the bill is co-sponsored by Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) and Ben Cardin (D-Md.). In the House, the bill is co-sponsored by Representatives Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.) and Charles B. Rangel (D. N.Y.), as well as Del. Elanor Holmes Norton of Washington, D.C.
"We have a dental crisis in America. Tens of millions of Americans cannot afford to see a dentist or live in parts of the country where there are no dentists. Because untreated dental problems can have serious health consequences, we must ensure that people have access to care before it’s too late," said Sen. Sanders, according to the report.