Congressman Cohen Introduces the Medicare Medically Vital Dental Care Act

WASHINGTON — Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) this early morning released the Medicare Medically Needed Dental Treatment Act, laws that would give Medicare sufferers dealing with selected illnesses or getting ready for sure surgical processes the dental protection they have to have.

“Good dental health is vital for a superior high-quality of lifetime,” said Congressman Cohen. “The Medicare Medically Important Dental Care Act would present Medicare clients the coverage they need to have to be physically prepared to undergo severe medical processes.”

The measure would offer protection underneath Medicare section B for medically vital dental techniques in conjunction with treatment of individuals requiring prosthetic coronary heart valve replacement and organ transplantation or the diagnoses of most cancers of the head or neck, lymphoma, and leukemia.

In accordance to the Countrywide Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Investigation:  “More than a person-third of persons handled for cancer build troubles that affect the mouth. These issues may well interfere with cancer treatment and diminish the patient’s excellent of everyday living.”  For instance, head and neck radiation and chemotherapy can result in oral difficulties which includes infections.  A simple infection in the mouth can normally lead to a total-blown bacterial infections that can guide to organ rejection or even dying.

Since its inception, the Medicare software has strictly excluded coverage for dental providers.  On the other hand, the Facilities for Medicare and Medicaid Providers has accepted protection exceptions for minimal dental products and services and has proposed more exceptions dependent on the argument that oral health products and services would decrease the risk of infection and issues of medical care.

###