Justice in Aging, one of the Center's longtime partners, recently released an issue brief, Oral Health in California: What About Older Adults? The Issue Brief includes a summary of the state of oral health for older adults in California. … [Read more...] about Issue Brief Examines Oral Health for Older Adults in California
Dental
New York Times Article on Noninvasive Alternative to Dental Fillings
The New York Times reported on July 11, 2016 that a noninvasive alternative to dental fillings that could save money, while preventing future decay, has gained increased traction among dentists.The liquid - Silver Diamine Fluoride, or S.D.F. - … [Read more...] about New York Times Article on Noninvasive Alternative to Dental Fillings
Organizing for Comprehensive Oral Health Care
As part of the Center for Medicare Advocacy’s commitment to improving oral health for older people and people with disabilities, Center attorneys recently attended a DentaQuest convening in Cambridge, Massachusetts aimed at unifying partners in … [Read more...] about Organizing for Comprehensive Oral Health Care
Selected Beneficiary Comments from Center for Medicare Advocacy Petition Regarding Oral Health Care
“Dental care has been the most frustrating part of being a senior, and has the most to do with maintaining health in general.” - Michael Allen, California“This is a very important issue, the ability to eat is vital to a … [Read more...] about Selected Beneficiary Comments from Center for Medicare Advocacy Petition Regarding Oral Health Care
Former CMS Administrator Says Expand Medicare Access to Dental Care
In a recent Boston Globe piece, former CMS Administrator Donald M. Berwick, MD called for expanded access to dental care, which he characterized as a critical aspect of health care that is out of reach for many.People with low incomes, people … [Read more...] about Former CMS Administrator Says Expand Medicare Access to Dental Care
Report Studies Oral Health in Older Adults
Oral Health America recently released a report, A State of Decay, a state-by-state ranking of healthcare delivery and public health factors that affect the oral health of older adults.Some of the Report’s Findings76% or 38 states … [Read more...] about Report Studies Oral Health in Older Adults
Center for Medicare Advocacy and Partners Meet with CMS to Discuss Medicare Coverage of Oral Health Care
On May 5, 2016 Center for Medicare Advocacy executive director Judith Stein and Senior Attorney Wey-Wey Kwok, the Dental Lifeline Network, the Medicare Rights Center, and former CMS (then HCFA) administrator Bruce Vladeck, met with CMS officials to … [Read more...] about Center for Medicare Advocacy and Partners Meet with CMS to Discuss Medicare Coverage of Oral Health Care
Coverage for Medically Necessary Oral Health Care Is Unduly Restricted By Medicare’s Dental Policy
Medicare coverage for medically necessary oral health care is supported by the Medicare statute, its legislative history and, in some instances, even CMS policy. For this purpose, “medically necessary oral health care” refers to … [Read more...] about Coverage for Medically Necessary Oral Health Care Is Unduly Restricted By Medicare’s Dental Policy
The Medicare Dental Exclusion: Is it Being Used to Deny Vulnerable Beneficiaries Needed Care?
Government contractors administering Medicare benefits are routinely denying coverage to cancer patients for claims involving the surgical removal of decayed and infected teeth caused by an aggressive course of radiation treatment to the head and … [Read more...] about The Medicare Dental Exclusion: Is it Being Used to Deny Vulnerable Beneficiaries Needed Care?
New Report: Expanded Dental Coverage Needed to Confront Health Crisis
As policymakers consider proposals to slash successful community programs including Medicare and Medicaid, older Americans and their families continue to face barriers to necessary health care, including access to dental coverage and services. A new … [Read more...] about New Report: Expanded Dental Coverage Needed to Confront Health Crisis