Recently, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP), introduced the Comprehensive Dental Care Reform Act of 2024, which is aimed at ending the dental crisis in America by expanding coverage, creating new access points, enhancing the workforce, improving education, and funding new research.
The legislation would expand Medicare, Medicaid, and the VA to provide comprehensive dental coverage. The legislation, among other changes, also increases funding for oral health services for health clinics, such as community health centers, authorizes additional funding for community-based dental residencies and dental student training, and incentivizes higher reimbursement rates for dental services to encourage greater provider participation.
The Center for Medicare Advocacy joined a Community Catalyst led sign-on letter supporting the legislation. The letter had over 110 groups expressing support.
- Legislation: TAM24575 (senate.gov)
- Summary of legislation: Summary-Comprehensive-Dental-Reform-Act-of-2024.pdf (senate.gov)
- Community Catalyst Sign-on Letter: Comprehensive Dental Sign-on Letter.docx
June 20, 2024 – K. Kertesz