Nationally, 10,000 baby boomers reach retirement age every day. In Washington that means approximately 830,000 adults are over age 65 and the number is growing rapidly. Typically by age 65, older adults are managing at least two chronic conditions and are usually taking multiple medications to control symptoms.
Older adults are more likely to have diabetes. Severe gum disease can make it more difficult for people with diabetes to control their blood sugar levels. Lack of blood sugar control leads to costly diabetic complications. Many seniors take multiple medications which increases their risk for dry mouth, which can quickly lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Untreated dental disease can also result in pain, infection, poor nutrition, and even social isolation, all of which can have a devastating impact on quality of life. Yet regular preventive dental care may help avoid these issues and expensive emergency department visits.
Most seniors lack private dental insurance and Medicare does not cover dental care. Many seniors on a fixed income cannot afford to pay the usual and customary fees of private dentists or do not understand the importance of oral health and thus do not prioritize paying out-of-pocket for care.
What the Legislature can do:
- Protect existing dental coverage for vulnerable adults on Medicaid.
- Protect state funding to Area Agencies on Aging, which play a critical role in promoting healthy aging including good oral health.
Oral Health Watch
18h
Happy 56th birthday #Medicaid and #Medicare. Washington state is fortunate that its Medicaid program, Apple Health, provides dental coverage for both children and adults. But it's not necessarily the same situation for adults in other parts of the US. It's time for national #Medicaid and ...#Medicare policy to recognize that oral health IS health and dental coverage IS health coverage. #Medicaid56 #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
18h
Happy 56th birthday #Medicaid and #Medicare. Washington state is fortunate that its Medicaid program, Apple Health, provides dental coverage for both children and adults. But it's not necessarily the same situation for adults in other parts of the US. It's time for #Medicare and #Medicaid... policy to recognize that oral health IS health and dental coverage IS health coverage. #Medicaid56 #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
18h
Happy birthday #Medicaid & #Medicare. While Medicaid requires dental coverage for kids, it's not the case for adults. It's time for #Medicare & #Medicaid policy to recognize that oral health IS health & dental coverage IS health coverage. #Medicaid56 #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
1d
#DYK that #Medicaid provides comprehensive coverage and financial protection for millions of Americans, most of whom are working families, including 2,073,104 children and adults in Washington state? #Medicaid56 #UniteForHealthCare #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
1d
July 30th marks the 56th anniversary of #Medicare and #Medicaid. Since 1965, Medicaid has helped lower-income families & working adults throughout the US access vital oral health and medical care. #teethmatter #Medicaid56 #UniteForHealthCare
Oral Health Watch
1d
WA state #Medicaid includes dental coverage for both children & adults. But that's not the case in all states. Why is that when we know the untreated oral disease can have devastating impacts on health, employability & quality of life? #UniteForHealthCare ...https://www.kff.org/medicaid/issue-brief/access-to-dental-care-in-medicaid-spotlight-on-nonelderly-adults/