Bill Cassidy - Chairman of the Senate HELP Committee | Official U.S. Senate headshot
Bill Cassidy - Chairman of the Senate HELP Committee | Official U.S. Senate headshot
Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Lloyd Doggett have introduced new legislation aimed at expanding Medicare to cover dental, vision, and hearing care for American seniors. This initiative targets the 68 million individuals on Medicare who currently struggle with affording essential health aids such as dentures, hearing aids, and eyeglasses.
Sanders plans to seek unanimous consent on the Senate floor to pass this legislation. His move will require any opposition to publicly voice their stance against the proposed expansion of Medicare. The event is set to be livestreamed on Sanders' social media platforms.
The legislative effort has garnered support from several other senators including Elizabeth Warren, Cory Booker, Peter Welch, Ed Markey, Tammy Duckworth, Jeff Merkley, and Richard Blumenthal. Additionally, 115 cosponsors in the House are backing the bill.
"In the richest country in the history of the world," Sanders stated, "it is unacceptable that millions of seniors are unable to read because they can’t afford eyeglasses... That should not be happening in the United States of America in the year 2025."
Doggett emphasized that this expansion is crucial for ensuring comprehensive health coverage under Medicare. He highlighted its potential benefits in preventing serious health issues such as cognitive impairment and dementia.
A Data for Progress poll indicates strong public support for this initiative with 92 percent favoring expanded Medicare benefits. Currently, over 26 million beneficiaries lack dental coverage entirely and must pay out-of-pocket or skip necessary care altogether.
In contrast to these efforts by Sanders and Doggett, Republicans are reportedly working on a proposal to cut Medicaid funding significantly while providing tax breaks for wealthier Americans.
The proposed legislation would include coverage for various services: dentures; comprehensive vision care like eye exams and prescription glasses; comprehensive hearing care; and a range of dental procedures including cleanings and fillings.
Several organizations have endorsed this legislative push including Center for Medicare Advocacy, Community Catalyst, Public Citizen among others.
Further details about Sanders’ "Medicare Dental Hearing Vision Expansion Act" and Doggett's corresponding bill can be accessed through provided links.
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