Representatives Cohen, Doggett and Barragán Lead Letter on Dental Coverage for Medicare Beneficiaries with Diabetes

MEMPHIS – Representatives Steve Cohen (TN-9), Lloyd Doggett (TX-37) and Nanette Barragán (CA-44) today led a letter to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure endorsing Medicare coverage of dental procedures linked to improved treatment of diabetes. The letter was co-signed by 38 other Members of Congress.

The letter reads in part:

“We appreciate your efforts to improve access to medically necessary dental coverage for Medicare enrollees and request that you continue reviewing additional clinical evidence linking dental treatment to successful medical outcomes. Specifically, we are writing in support of nominations we understand you are receiving for clarification of payment policy for dental services that are inextricably linked, substantially related and integral to the clinical success of covered medical services used for the treatment of Medicare beneficiaries with diabetes mellitus (diabetes).

“As demonstrated by the clinical evidence, dental services are often integral to the successful care and management of individuals with diabetes due to the close connection between oral disease and diabetes. Specifically, individuals living with diabetes are documented to be at increased risk and severity of oral diseases, such as periodontitis, tooth loss, dry mouth, and oral infections. The role played by oral diseases in fostering inflammation puts persons with diabetes at risk for an array of micro and macrovascular complications, including retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy, cardiovascular diseases, and strokes. Similarly, oral diseases are documented as affecting insulin sensitivity and blood glucose control which contribute to serious diabetes complications, such as cardiovascular disease and kidney disease.

“Fortunately, the diagnosis and treatment of dental infections is proven effective in protecting beneficiaries with diabetes, resulting in reduced hospitalizations. For this reason, such treatment is recommended by American Diabetes Association clinical guidelines and is supported by the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, among other notable stakeholders.”

See the entire letter here.

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