Event Details

This course examines the history, current status and future of dental services in the Medicare program, from their exclusion in 1965 to the recent efforts to introduce ‘medically necessary dental care’ for persons with certain systemic conditions. The rationale for adding a comprehensive benefit will be discussed, including the needs of older adults who have retained most of their dentition and require continuing dental care, the loss of dental insurance as person retire from full-time employment, and findings that define the impact of oral diseases on general health and quality of life. Health equity issues will be emphasized, with a focus on the difficulty older have in accessing dental care. The role of Medicare Advantage programs and future policy directions will also be discussed.

Participants will learn:

• Be familiar with the introduction of the Medicare program in 1965, and the reasons why dental services were not included in the program
• Understand the current landscape of oral health care for older adults, including the introduction of ‘medically-necessary dental care” for enrollees with certain systemic diseases that require medical care covered by the Medicare program.
• Evaluate the challenges and opportunities associated with adding a comprehensive dental benefit for all Medicare enrollees.
• Explore the role of Medicare Advantage programs and future policy directions aimed at expanding access to dental benefits within the Medicare system.

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