The Biden Administration recently finalized a rule that would give states the option of adding adult dental insurance coverage as part of the Affordable Care Act plans. And in related news, Sen. Bernie Sanders has introduced a bill that would expand dental coverage through Medicare, Medicaid and the Veterans Administration.
Both would potentially expand access to dental care, a much-needed preventive health benefit for many Americans. Experts say nearly 69 million US adults do not have dental insurance or access to routine oral health care, a gap that can be serious when a minor infection turns into a life-threatening problem.
Leighton Ku, a Professor of Health Policy and Management and Director of the Center for Health Policy Research at the George Washington University, Is an expert on the Affordable Care Act and access to healthcare. He can discuss the need for dental insurance and access to affordable dental care, especially in vulnerable communities.
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