TL/DR –
Sen. Bernie Sanders has introduced the Comprehensive Dental Care Reform Act of 2024 which aims to expand dental coverage through Medicare, Medicaid, and the Veterans Administration. The bill would establish federal funding to increase the number of dental professionals in the U.S., with training provided through community-based dental residencies. Sanders argues that dental care in the U.S. is in crisis due to high costs and lack of access, particularly in low-income and rural areas, and his bill has support from major service organizations and the majority of Americans.
Sen. Sanders Proposes Expanding Dental Coverage for All Americans
Senator Bernie Sanders, known for his passionate advocacy for universal health care, aims to extend dental coverage to all Americans. In May, Sanders introduced the Comprehensive Dental Care Reform Act of 2024, seeking to broaden dental coverage through Medicare, Medicaid, and the Veterans Administration.
The proposed legislation, currently before the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, aims to increase the number of U.S. dental professionals through federal funding for community-based dental residencies. The Act acknowledges the current dental crisis in America, highlighting the inadequate number of dentists in underserved areas and the prohibitive cost of dental care.
For more information, read our analysis on potential government dental care.
Current State of Dental Care in the U.S.
Sen. Sanders highlights the urgent need for dental care reform. He argues that dental care in America is in crisis – it is expensive, and the shortage of dentists, especially in rural areas, exacerbates the problem. Vulnerable populations have been particularly affected, with 40% of children experiencing tooth decay by kindergarten and one in five seniors losing all their natural teeth.
Does Dental Insurance Provide Adequate Coverage?
For those with dental insurance, Sanders notes that coverage often only pays a fraction of the cost, especially for extensive dental procedures. Not only should the lack of dental care access be addressed, but the high cost of dental care also needs scrutiny.
The Comprehensive Dental Care Reform Act of 2024
Sanders’ Comprehensive Dental Care Reform Act of 2024 aims to extend dental coverage to the VA, Medicare, and Medicaid. This legislation has received support from major veterans’ groups like the American Legion and the VFW and is favored by over 90% of Americans, indicating a strong public demand for expanded Medicare to cover dental, hearing, and vision care.
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