Congressman Cohen Introduces Medicare Medically Necessary Dental Care Act

WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today introduced the Medicare Medically Necessary Dental Care Act to secure critical dental care for the 47 percent of Medicare beneficiaries who do not currently have dental coverage. Congressman Cohen is also working with the Biden Administration which is in the process of implementing executive actions to address some of these needs.

Congressman Cohen made the following statement:

“Without proper attention, dental problems can escalate into much more serious medical issues, especially in conjunction with other health concerns. I am pleased that the Biden Administration has begun addressing this issue and hope that this legislation can codify these changes and spur a comprehensive approach to providing medically necessary dental care to all Medicare beneficiaries who qualify.”

The Medicare Medically Necessary Dental Care Act would provide coverage under Medicare part B for medically necessary dental procedures in conjunction with treatment of patients requiring prosthetic heart valve replacement and organ transplantation or the diagnoses of cancer of the head or neck, lymphoma, and leukemia.