This issue brief examines how adding a dental benefit to Medicare would reduce these disparities and address these challenges. The paper begins with a description of nursing facility residents enrolled in the Medicare program, followed by an overview of the disparities in access to oral health coverage, services, and outcomes residents face. Next, the paper examines how adding a dental benefit to Medicare would help improve access and outcomes and concludes with policy recommendations to address barriers beyond coverage that impede access to oral health care for residents.
States can use Medicaid waivers to expand oral health coverage and address disparities in access to dental care for older adults and people with disabilities.
Oral health affects overall health – and this is particularly true for older adults. This webinar shares advocacy tips on how to connect your clients to oral health treatment.
