Page 48 - August 2022 Issue.indd

“The Senate Finance Committee end of the year! Let’s make sure their
released draft bill language (the first constituents know we support this bill!
week of July) for Medicare prescription It looks like the need for dental coverage
Spot Medicare to negotiate prescription drug is seeing a crack of daylight as well. One
Senior drug reforms. In addition to authorizing
might mention the need for dental care
prices, the bill would expand the full
Part D Low-Income Subsidy (LIS) to for all to become medically necessary
when contacting the above-named
Senior Moments people with incomes between 135% representatives in your email or during
and 150% Federal Poverty Level (and
by Mary Moran your call! A small coverage tweak is
eliminate the partial subsidy which is
410-829-2535 / 410-490-3078 being proposed to cover those facing
currently at 135%) as well as cap all

Part D enrollees’ out-of-pocket costs at transplants. “The Centers for Medicare
Now that the primaries are over, it’s time and Medicaid Services (CMS) proposes
$2,000 starting in 2025. Th e prescription
to get the attention of those seeking to expand payment for dental services
drug reforms are a key piece of a package
re-election in November! Contact these that are integral to covered medical
of bills expected to move through the
“servants of the people” regarding issues services. Currently, Medicare Part B pays
Senate’s budget reconciliation process,
that impact seniors daily! for “medically necessary” dental services
which requires a simple majority, rather
such as jaw reconstruction following an
Good bills are regularly getting draft ed, than 60 votes, to pass.” (justiceinaging. injury or tooth extractions to prepare for

but partisanship stops most important org) The passage of this bill should be jaw cancer treatment.
legislation from getting passed. Aren’t of particular interest to those who are
we all fed up with these “party before the retiring without drug coverage as part “CMS is proposing to expand its
people” political shenanigans?! of their retirement package. interpretation of “medically necessary”
coverage to include services such as
During this election season it would be Contact Senators Steven Hershey, dental examination and treatment
gratifying to see Medicare benefi ciaries Jr., 410-841-3639, or steve.hershey@ preceding an organ transplant. CMS
tell these Senators and Delegates who senate.state.md.us, who is on the Senate is also seeking comment on other
are hopeful of keeping their seats Finance Committee, Ben Cardin, who is medical conditions where Medicare
that seniors demand a change in the also on the Senate Finance Committee, should pay for dental services, as well
cost of prescription drugs healthcare. at 202-224-4524, or www.cardin.senate. as on a process to get public input
Additionally, Medicare services that gov, Chris Van Holden, Jr., who is on the when additional dental services may be
meet seniors dental and vision needs Appropriations and Budget Committee, integral to the clinical success of other
must be added to Original Medicare! Th is 301-545-1500, or www.vanhollen.senate. medical services. Comments are due
is especially important to benefi ciaries gov, and Representative Andy Harris, September 6, 2022.” (justiceinaging.org).
in our area who have learned the hard who is on the House Appropriations
way that nationally advertised Medicare Committee and the Sub-committee on Broadening the interpretation of
Advantage is not advantageous to rural Labor, Health and Human Services, “medically necessary” to include regular
Americans. 410-558-5670, or www.harris.house. dental care as part of part “B” is a no
gov to push this bill through before the brainer for seniors and the disabled, who
are desperate for oral care. However,
beyond the political infighting over this

TURNING 65? issue, the catch 22 is getting the oral
surgeons, general dentists, and hygienists
Confused about all the Medicare Terms & Options? on board. They would be required to
jump through the massive headache of
Let Me Help You!

Medicare Certification hoops and agree
to accept Medicare assignment. Many in

the dental field don’t want to be dragged
Anthony Insurance Services under the umbrella of the existing
Ann M. Anthony Medicare insurance system. Frankly,
this issue is such a quagmire that one
should not expect dental coverage to
happen in the very near future. For
Specializing in Medicare Supplemental Plans,
now, utilizing a retirement/employer’s
Medicare Advantage Plans, Medicare Part-D Plans, policy or purchasing your own dental
Dental and Vision, Long Term Care, and Life Insurance insurance are the only options in our
Call Ann Today for an Appointment 410-708-0899 • anthonyins17@gmail.com area.
22850 Fleming Road, Denton, MD 21629

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