Pennsylvania State Senate Democratic leader Jay Costa announced plans to reintroduce a bill that would restore dental care coverage for Medicare beneficiaries.
Senate Bill 955 would reinstate Medicaid dental coverage that was in place up until 2011, according to a Dec. 2 memorandum.
Currently, services including routine cleanings and fillings are covered but more advanced services such as root canals, periodontal disease work and emergency exams were eliminated due to cost concerns.
If passed, the bill would ensure that Medical Assistance provides a dental benefits package including coverage for services that existed prior to 2011 while keeping existing dental coverage in place.
The bill was a companion to House Bill 1417.