S.2084 - Medicare and Medicaid Dental, Vision, and Hearing Benefit Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
S.2084, the Medicare and Medicaid Dental, Vision, and Hearing Benefit Act of 2025, aims to expand coverage under Medicare and Medicaid to include dental, vision, and hearing services. The bill amends Titles XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act to incorporate these benefits. It outlines specific services covered, payment structures, and limitations, including a phased-in approach to payment percentages.
Expected Effects
The bill would significantly broaden access to dental, vision, and hearing care for Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries. This would lead to improved health outcomes and quality of life for millions of Americans. The phased-in payment structure aims to mitigate immediate cost impacts, while the Secretary retains authority to modify coverage based on recommendations from the United States Preventive Services Task Force.
Potential Benefits
- Increased access to essential healthcare services (dental, vision, and hearing) for Medicare and Medicaid recipients.
- Improved health outcomes and quality of life for beneficiaries.
- Potential for early detection and treatment of health issues related to dental, vision, and hearing.
- Increased FMAP (Federal Medical Assistance Percentage) for states covering these services under Medicaid, incentivizing state participation.
- Could lead to reduced long-term healthcare costs by addressing preventative care.
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased costs to the Medicare and Medicaid programs, potentially impacting the federal budget.
- Phased-in payment structure may delay full access to benefits.
- Secretarial authority to modify coverage could lead to inconsistent or reduced benefits.
- Potential administrative challenges in implementing and managing the expanded coverage.
- The 80% cap on payment may still leave some beneficiaries with out-of-pocket expenses.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's expansion of Medicare and Medicaid aligns with the general welfare clause of the Constitution (Preamble). Congress has broad authority to legislate regarding the general welfare, including healthcare. The bill does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).