Medicare's lack of routine dental coverage impacts Delta Dental in Illinois
What happened
Medicare does not cover routine dental care, which impacts Delta Dental's operations in Illinois. Dr. Jason Grinter, vice president of dental science and network strategy at Delta Dental of Illinois, noted that nearly 7 in 10 adults over 65 have gum disease. Preventive care is considered the best defense against serious dental issues.
From reflector.com
Why it matters
The exclusion of routine dental care by Medicare creates a market gap that Delta Dental operates within. Adults with dental insurance are twice as likely to make a preventive dental visit, highlighting the importance of private coverage in the market.
From reflector.com
Who's involved
- Delta DentalA network of dental health companies that operates within the jurisdiction of Illinois.
- MedicareUS federal health insurance that does not cover routine dental care.
- IllinoisState where Delta Dental operates and where the lack of Medicare coverage affects the private dental market.
Who could feel it
Possible knock-on effectsThese are possibilities Brind reasoned out, not predictions, and not advice. Most are not stated in any report.
- Delta DentalSpeculative
Delta Dental might see increased demand for private dental services due to Medicare's lack of coverage.
- IllinoisSpeculative
Illinois could see increased demand for private dental services in the state.
Possible ripples
Who this could reach next, traced step by step from the reporting. Possibilities worth considering, not forecasts.- Medicare's dental coverage gap may increase public health strain on IllinoisMedicare's dental coverage gap may increase public health strain on IllinoisPossible
- Medicare's dental coverage gap raises policy concerns for AARPAARP may need to advocate for dental coverage to protect retirees' healthPossible
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The entities involved
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Delta Dental
network of dental health companies
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Medicare
US federal health insurance
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Illinois
state of the United States of America