Menu
The dental health needs of low-income older adults have been neglected, yet, oral health is a critical aspect of overall health for older adults. Untreated dental decay and tooth loss can not only lead to pain and difficulty eating, but also the worsening of chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension.
Our advocacy aims to improve oral health for older adults through educating local advocates and service providers on how they can help the older adults they serve access oral health care. We also strongly advocate for policy changes to improve oral health care for the nation’s low-income older adults.
Statement: Consortium for Medically Necessary Oral Health Coverage, Statement on Proposed Medicare Payment Clarification for Medically Necessary Oral and Dental Health Therapies, July 24, 2023
Comment: Justice in Aging Statement on the Record for the Senate Hearing on Oral Health Disparities, April 12, 2023
Statement: Congress Should Seize this Historic Opportunity to Add Dental Coverage to Medicare – But Vouchers are Not the Answer, October 2021
Fact Sheet: Adding Dental to Medicare Part B: 31 Million Low-Income Enrollees Would Gain Access to Medicare Coverage, September 2021
Fact Sheet: Adding a Dental Beneft to Medicare Part B: What About Medicare Advantage or Medigap Plans?, June 2, 2021
Letter: Next Package Should Include Medicare Oral Health Coverage: Response To American Families Plan From The Medicare Oral Health Coalition, May 2021
Letter: Joint Letter in Support of the Medicare Dental Benefit Act of 2021, February 2021
Issue Brief: Adding a Dental Benefit to Medicare: Addressing Oral Health Inequity Based on Disability, October 2020
FAQ: Adding a Dental Benefit to Medicare Part B, November, 2019
Issue Brief: Adding a Dental Benefit to Medicare: Reducing Racial Disparities, October, 2019
Public Comment: Justice in Aging Comments on the Surgeon General’s 2020 Report on Oral Health, January, 2019
Statutory Analysis: Creating an Oral Health Benefit in Medicare, January, 2019
Webinar: Oral Health and Nursing Facility Residents, October, 2018
Slides: Oral Health and Nursing Facility Residents , October, 2018
Letter: Justice in Aging Letter to Little Hoover Commission, February, 2018
Oral Health Recommendations for California's Master Plan for Aging, July, 2020
Advocate Guide: Oral Health for Older Adults in California, June, 2018
Issue Brief: Oral Health in California: What about Older Adults? July, 2016
Webinar:Oral Health in California: What about Older Adults? July 2016
October 2018: Oral Health America Medicare Dental Advocacy Toolkit
July 2018: An Oral Health Benefit in Medicare Part B: It’s Time to Include
Oral Health in Health Care (Oral Health America)
The opportunity to live with dignity, regardless of financial circumstances—free from the worry, harm, and injustice caused by lack of health care, food, or a safe place to sleep. By using the power of law to strengthen the social safety net, and remove the barriers low-income seniors face in trying to access the services they need, we work to ensure the future we all envision for our loved ones and ourselves.
© 2023 JUSTICE IN AGING
