Democratic Senators on the Senate Budget Committee have released a draft budgetary framework that includes an expansion of the Medicare program to include dental, vision and hearing benefits. Little more is known about the proposed Medicare dental provision. The budget resolution process has just begun and nothing is final yet.
 
While Congress considers a program design, ADA staff has been in discussions with members of the Senate and House on how to obtain an outcome that is consistent with our policies. The ADA is advocating for the policy that passed the House of Delegates in 2020, which recognizes that oral health care for adults age 65 and older depends on acceptable and sustainable financing of that care. In addition, it should focus on those most in need of oral health care by covering individuals under 300% of the federal poverty level, offer a range of services necessary to maintain oral health, and include minimal and reasonable administrative requirements for dentists.
 
The ADA will continue to promote our policy on Capitol Hill and keep our members apprised of the process.