US Dental Crisis: The Vulnerable Struggle for Access
TL/DR –
Jackie Duda, a freelance health journalist, spent a year recovering from a severe case of sepsis, with bills surpassing $250,000. However, her Medicaid insurance does not cover dental implants she needs due to the damage caused by her illness, leaving her to consider high-interest medical credit cards to cover the cost. This case highlights a broader issue in America where a lack of dental insurance leaves many unable to afford necessary dental care, a system that is also fraught with the risk of high interest rates if balances aren’t paid within six months, according to a report from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
Healthcare Costs: The Struggle of Accessing Dental Care in America
Jackie Duda, a freelance health journalist from Maryland, survived a life-threatening sepsis case. Despite accumulating over $250,000 in medical bills, her healthcare was not denied. She wasn’t as fortunate with her dental bills, however, as her Medicaid coverage does not extend to dental implants, leaving her with estimated costs of $6,000 for necessary procedures.
A Dental Care Crisis
Unlike medical care, dental care presents a significant divide in the U.S. Some Americans suffer from dental pain and embarrassment, while others flaunt expensive veneers. There is no backup plan for the tens of millions without dental insurance, and even insured individuals often struggle to cover the costs of extensive dental needs. The Affordable Care Act, established in 2014, has provided millions with medical insurance and expanded Medicaid, yet it does not mandate adult dental insurance, leaving millions without necessary dental care.
Rising Dental Costs & High Interest Rate Credit
Many dental insurance plans, including Duda’s, require patients to bear high out-of-pocket expenses beyond routine cleanings and X-rays. Despite discounted rates offered through the University of Maryland’s dental school, Duda’s dental costs are not covered by her insurance. Her only option to pay for her dental care is to take on a high-interest rate medical credit card, adding to her existing debt.
The Ethics of Providing Dental Care
The healthcare sector operates under the premise of providing care, regardless of a patient’s financial situation. Unfortunately, this is not the case in the dental industry. Independent dental practices can reject patients who cannot afford care, citing reasons such as operational costs, staff salaries, and expensive equipment as barriers to offering discounted or free services.
Inadequate Dental Insurance Coverage
Dental insurance often falls short as costs rise. Medical insurance covers most necessary care after reaching a deductible, while dental insurance quickly runs out. Brett H. Kessler, president-elect of the American Dental Association, acknowledges that many Americans are excluded from dental care due to the limitations of dental insurance.
Proposed Legislative Changes
The Biden administration has adopted a rule allowing states to opt into adult dental insurance coverage as part of their Affordable Care Act plans. Additionally, Sen. Bernie Sanders is proposing a comprehensive plan that would expand dental coverage through Medicare, Medicaid, and the Veterans Administration, aiming to increase the number of dental professionals nationwide. Sanders has highlighted the dental care crisis in America, stating that too many are shut out of the system.
Personal Stories of the Dental Care Crisis
Harold Krieg, a Las Vegas resident living with untreated dental disease, and Betty Lowe from Tennessee, who lost her Medicaid coverage during dental treatment, are among the millions experiencing the dental care crisis in America. Their stories shed light on the struggle many Americans face in accessing affordable dental care and the devastating impact of the lack of sufficient dental coverage.
Share Your Story
Have you faced challenges accessing dental care due to cost or lack of health insurance? Consumer health reporter Ken Alltucker encourages sharing your stories at alltuck@usatoday.com.
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