Purpose and Summary
Chamber: Senate
Introduced date: 2025-03-11
Bill 119 s 939, also known as the Medicare Dental, Vision, and Hearing Benefit Act of 2021, aims to expand Medicare coverage to include dental, vision...
, and hearing care for beneficiaries. The bill seeks to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide these essential services under the Medicare program. Currently, Medicare does not cover routine dental, vision, or hearing care, leaving many older Americans without access to these important health services. This bill seeks to address this gap in coverage by ensuring that Medicare beneficiaries have access to the care they need to maintain their overall health and well-being. If passed, this legislation would provide coverage for preventive and diagnostic dental services, as well as vision exams, eyeglasses, and hearing aids. By expanding Medicare coverage to include these services, the bill aims to improve the quality of life for millions of older Americans who rely on Medicare for their healthcare needs. Supporters of the bill argue that providing coverage for dental, vision, and hearing care under Medicare is essential for promoting the overall health and well-being of older Americans. They believe that access to these services is crucial for maintaining good health and quality of life as individuals age. Opponents of the bill may argue that expanding Medicare coverage to include dental, vision, and hearing care could be costly and may lead to increased healthcare spending. However, supporters of the bill maintain that the long-term benefits of providing these essential services to Medicare beneficiaries outweigh the potential costs. Overall, Bill 119 s 939 represents a significant step towards improving access to essential healthcare services for older Americans. By expanding Medicare coverage to include dental, vision, and hearing care, this legislation has the potential to positively impact the health and well-being of millions of Medicare beneficiaries across the country.
Recent Activity
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Alternative Names
A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide coverage for dental and oral health care, hearing care, and vision care under the Medicare program.
A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide coverage for dental and oral health care, hearing care, and vision care under the Medicare program.
Medicare Dental, Hearing, and Vision Expansion Act of 2025
Medicare Dental, Hearing, and Vision Expansion Act of 2025
A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide coverage for dental and oral health care, hearing care, and vision care under the Medicare program.
Associated Legislation
undefined Policy Areas
Health
Potential Impact
Sponsors and Supporters
Sen. Sanders, Bernard [I-VT]
Sen. Sanders, Bernard [I-VT]
Sen. Sanders, Bernard [I-VT]
Cosponsors and Supporters
Sen. Warren, Elizabeth [D-MA]
Sen. Booker, Cory A. [D-NJ]
Sen. Welch, Peter [D-VT]
Sen. Markey, Edward J. [D-MA]
Sen. Duckworth, Tammy [D-IL]
Sen. Merkley, Jeff [D-OR]
Sen. Blumenthal, Richard [D-CT]
Committees and Subcommittees
Finance Committee
Variations and Revisions