Expanding Medicare to Include Dental Benefits: A Path to Better Health and Reduced Healthcare Costs

Abstract

Background: Contempt the well-established connection between oral health and universal health, dental care remains excluded from Medicare, leaving many recipients without access to affordable dental facilities. This study evaluates the possible health benefits, economic impressions, and stakeholder perceptions of growing Medicare to include dental assistances.Methods: A mixed-methods method was employed, including a systematic literature review, secondary data examination, semi-structured interviews, and cost-benefit modelling. Numerical data on emergency room visits and chronic disease organization costs were analyzed, though qualitative data were obtained from politicians, healthcare providers, and Medicare recipients. Results: The addition of dental benefits in Medicare was connected with a 25% reduction in emergency room visits and a 15% decrease in hospital charges for oral health-related problems. Although initial annual costs for Medicare were assessed to rise by $12 billion, long-term savings from reduced healthcare outflows totaled $18 billion over a decade. Backers expressed strong support for this policy change, with 85% of receivers and 88% of healthcare providers favoring the creativity. Conclusion: Increasing Medicare to include dental benefits has the possible to improve population health, reduce disparities, and achieve cost investments in the long term. Politicians are encouraged to address application challenges and invest in preventive oral health services to foster a more equitable and sustainable health care organization.