Seniors One Step Closer to Comprehensive Healthcare
Congress introduced a landmark healthcare bill today that would expand Medicare to include dental, vision, and hearing coverage for the first time since the program was created in 1965, benefiting an estimated 60 million American seniors.
The bill addresses a critical gap in healthcare that has forced millions of older Americans to choose between essential medical care and their financial security. Currently, more than half of Medicare beneficiaries lack dental coverage, and one in four has not visited a dentist in over five years.
"Healthcare is a right, not a privilege," said the bill's chief sponsor. "No senior in America should have to decide between hearing aids and groceries."
What the Bill Covers
The expansion would include:
- Comprehensive dental coverage including preventive care, fillings, crowns, and dentures
- Annual vision exams and coverage for prescription eyeglasses and contact lenses
- Hearing exams and coverage for hearing aids, which can cost up to $6,000 per pair
- Mental health parity provisions ensuring equal coverage for mental and physical health
Health economists estimate the expansion would save the healthcare system billions in the long run by catching health problems early before they become expensive emergencies.
Broad Public Support
Polling consistently shows over 80% of Americans support expanding Medicare to include dental, vision, and hearing benefits, making it one of the most popular healthcare proposals in recent memory.
