Medicare doesn’t cover routine dental care, vision, or hearing services, though 79% of older voters want this to change, according to a poll by the Senior Citizens League.
Also, 14% said there should be better promotion of Medicare Advantage plans that sometimes cover more of these services, while 7% said Medicare should remain unchanged.
“Dental coverage rates drop dramatically once people turn 65 and enroll in Medicare,” said Mary Johnson, Medicare and Social Security policy analyst for the Senior Citizens League.
About two-thirds of working-age Americans are insured by private dental policies offered through their employer or other group, the organization says.
But once an individual turns 65 and starts Medicare, the coverage ends. By age 75, the group continues, only one in four people has dental insurance.
“There just aren’t many affordable dental options for people living on fixed incomes,” Johnson said.
On average, uninsured older Americans spend about $1,126 out of pocket annually on dental care, the Senior Citizens League says. When more extensive work is required, the high cost of dental services can create financial emergencies. People, then, often delay getting care.
“The delay tactic could cause higher medical bills later for doctor visits, prescription drugs, and other services,” Johnson said.
Better dental care also may improve overall health, as links have been found between oral health and heart disease, diabetes, stroke, respiratory illnesses, cancer, and sleep apnea.
“Adding dental coverage may help both patients and Medicare save money on other costs,” Johnson said.
The Senior Citizens League endorses the Seniors Have Eyes, Ears, and Teeth Act (HR 508). With 130 bipartisan cosponsors in the House of Representatives, the bill would expand Medicare coverage to include essential hearing, vision, and dental services.
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