Effects of Adding a Dental Benefit to Medicare Part B

The Issue

Overall spending on dental care for those living in poverty would increase by nearly three-quarters (72%), with Black and Latino enrollees seeing a larger percentage increase. However, in dollar terms, White enrollees would see the largest increase in spending.

Key Findings

• Dental spending would increase by 72 percent for individuals with incomes under the federal poverty level (FPL). Individuals with incomes over 400 percent of the FPL would see a 20 percent increase in Medicare spending. 
• Black and Hispanic enrollees would experience the largest percentage increase in dental spending under the policy. However, in dollar terms, spending would increase most for White enrollees.
  • Per capita spending increase in dollars, by racial/ethnic background:
    • Non-Hispanic White: $1,032 
    • Hispanic: $530 
      
    • Black: $356 
• Overall expenditures on dental care would increase by approximately one-third (34%) or $19.4 billion. Total spending for dental services would increase from $841 to $1,129 per capita.

Conclusion

Access to dental coverage in Medicare is essential as poor oral health is linked to poor overall health. Expanding coverage in dental services is an opportunity to close longstanding gaps in access to dental services.

About the Author/Grantee

The nonprofit Urban Institute is dedicated to elevating the debate on social and economic policy. For nearly five decades, Urban scholars have conducted research and offered evidence-based solutions that improve lives and strengthen communities across a rapidly urbanizing world. Their objective research helps expand opportunities for all, reduce hardship among the most vulnerable, and strengthen the effectiveness of the public sector. Visit the Urban Institute’s Health Policy Center for more information specific to its staff and its recent research.