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Future of Medicare and oral health

 

Future of Medical and Oral Health

Sponsored by: CareQuest Institute for Oral Health

Medicare does not currently include coverage for oral health services as a standard benefit. Nearly half of all older Americans and people with disabilities who receive Medicare benefits lack access to the care and resources they need to maintain good oral health. 

Poor oral health is linked with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer and pneumonia, the risk of which increases among older adults. In particular, low-income seniors, those in rural communities and people of color are most at risk. Now, there is new momentum on Capitol Hill to expand Medicare by including dental, hearing and vision coverage for the first time.

What could a policy change mean for people on Medicare? How might it affect the health care system? To answer these questions and more, The Hill is bringing together lawmakers, health experts, and patient advocates to discuss potential changes to Medicare and what that could mean for more integrated and equitable oral health care for millions of Americans.

Speakers:

Rep. Nanette Diaz Barragán (D-CA)
Member, Energy & Commerce Committee
Co-Sponsor, Medicare Dental Act of 2021

Rep. Drew Ferguson (R-GA)
Republican Chief Deputy Whip
Member, Ways and Means Committee

Dr. Sharlee Burch
2021-2022 President, American Dental Hygienists' Association

Nancy LeaMond
Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy & Engagement Officer, AARP

Paul Gibbs
Medicare Beneficiary

Moderator:

Steve Clemons
Editor-at-Large, The Hill


Sponsor Perspectives:

Eleanor Fleming, PhD, DDS, MPH, FICD
Associate Professor, Meharry Medical College

Myechia Minter-Jordan, MD, MBA
President and CEO, CareQuest Institute for Oral Health

Join the conversation! Tweet us: @CareQuestInst and @TheHillEvents using #TheHillMedicare