SENATE BILL REPORT
SJM 8010
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
As Reported by Senate Committee On:
Health & Long Term Care, February 22, 2019
Brief Description: Asking Congress to include dental care in Medicare.
Sponsors: Senators Frockt, Dhingra, Randall, Keiser, Wilson, C., Kuderer and Nguyen.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Health & Long Term Care: 2/20/19, 2/22/19 [DP].
Brief Summary of Joint Memorial |
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SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG TERM CARE |
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators Cleveland, Chair; Randall, Vice Chair; O'Ban, Ranking Member; Bailey, Becker, Conway, Dhingra, Frockt, Keiser, Rivers and Van De Wege.
Staff: LeighBeth Merrick (786-7445)
Background: Medicare is the federal health insurance program for people who are 65 or older. Medicare provides coverage for hospital and medical services, and prescription drugs. Medicare does not provide coverage for dental care.
Summary of Joint Memorial: A joint memorial must be transmitted to the President of the United States, the President of the United States Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, urging Congress to include coverage for dental care in the federal Medicare program.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: Many older adults do not have access to oral health care benefits. Unresolved oral health issues can be debilitating and can lead to other health related issues like diabetes and heart disease. A Medicare dental benefit would improve health outcomes and reduce state costs for dual eligibles.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator David Frockt, Prime Sponsor; Dianne Riter, Arcora Foundation.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.