The Unseen Dental Crisis of Seniors

The American Dental Association (ADA) - the largest association of dental professionals in the country - are fighting against the proposal to add dental benefits to Medicare. We talk about the politics of ADA opposition to healthcare, and also hear from seniors themselves about what it's like to go without needed dental care. Dental care is not part of health insurance for most Americans, and the proposal to include dental benefits (as well as hearing and vision) in Medicare is running into opposition from...dentists. Today Ben and Stephanie dive into the crisis of American seniors without dental care, and the opposition from the American Dental Association. Last week we emailed our list of Medicare for All supporters, asking if any seniors with challenges getting the dental care they need would be willing to share their story with us. We weren’t prepared for the flood of 150 stories that came in, or how heartbreaking they would be. Sandy in Turtle Creek, Pennsylvania: “I'm a 64yr old woman who [is] shut in my apartment. Instead of having friends, going places, doing things, I don't leave my home because I have no teeth. After a horrific divorce, I lost my teeth, and cannot afford dentures. It has caused a deep depression, and loneliness. I'm 64, which I don't feel like should be the end. I should be going to church, having friends, going places, but can't. Due to the embarrassment and shame of not having teeth. I'm never going to be able to afford nice dentures, so this has become my life.” [Impact on mental health, social life.]Mary in Devine, Texas: “My husband and I both have dental problems. I had my bottom teeth pulled out in hope of getting affordable dentures. I went to see about them and the price is always three to six thousand dollars. It is outrageous… I don't have insurance. My husband has Medicare but it doesn't cover dental... We both can't eat nuts, dried fruit or even salads.  We would like to eat healthy. We are unable to have protein foods. I have [even] choked. I mostly eat very soft foods and make smoothies. It is quite painful. It saddens me because of [the] lack of concern and our quality of life is affected.” [Impact on broader health - ability to eat healthy.]Janus in Champaign, IL (edited down): “I am a 66-year-old woman who worked for the University of Illinois.. for 25 years. During that time, I had good dental coverage and saw the dentist every year to have my teeth cleaned. In 2000, I started my own business, and could only get healthcare coverage by joining the local farm bureau. That policy did not include dental care… [and] I had to go in debt just to keep insurance coverage until the Affordable Care Act was finally enacted... And then I turned 65. I was forced off of the ACA policy and into Medicare… I have not had a dental cleaning for 15 years and see no future in which I will be able to get that kind of care for myself… Now that I am a senior, I expect a safety net to catch me in times of, oh say a pandemic!  My business is caring for clients' homes and pets when they travel. No one is traveling. I made $4,000 last year... It's not looking any better for 2021...” The Medicare for All movement has been fighting to expand Medicare, including finally adding comprehensive vision, hearing, and dental benefits. Because of our pressure, this demand has actually been taken up in Congress, despite the fact that President Biden’s proposal for this bill didn’t include any Medicare expansions. But as Medicare expansion works its way through the committee process, the proposed benefits are shockingly poor for dental coverage. Today, Medicare Part B doesn’t cover any routine cleanings, regular care, teeth replacement, etc. Basically, no preventative care, only emergency care as it relates to other medical treatment (https://www.healthmarkets.com/content/medicare-part-b-dental-coverage) On the plus side, the House proposal would cover routine care,