Comment on CMS-2026-2081-0001
Joey EnrightSupportIndividual
Summary: A dental hygienist argues that adult dental benefits should be reclassified from optional to essential health benefits. The commenter highlights the significant health risks and costs associated with untreated oral infections and periodontal disease, including links to heart disease and stroke.
As a dental hygienist working with the public at large, including Medicaid members, I urge you to change the federal designation of adult dental benefits from OPTIONAL to ESSENTIAL! Oral infections are some of the most costly infections for children and adults in our country, not only from a cost perspective, but from an overall health perspective. Adults in our country miss work due to dental infections and end up in the ER where non definitive care is costly and does not resolve the issue. Pregnant women and at risk for preterm birth and transplant patients cannot receive life saving surgeries without dental clearance. 70% of adults over age 60 have periodontal disease, which is chronic and very costly if it is not treated and maintained! Adults with periodontal disease are three times more likely to suffer a heart attack or stroke if they have active periodontal disease and now we know plaques that colonize in the heart travel to the brain and corelated to Alzheimer's disease. Humans cannot have health without oral health; it is an essential part of overall health.