Bill would add dental, vision, and hearing coverage to traditional Medicare

What does this do?

The bill adds dental, vision, and hearing benefits to traditional Medicare, which mostly lacks this coverage now. Preventive dental care starts at 100% coverage in 2026, with other dental work phased in from 30% (2027) to 80% (2029), dentures at 80% starting 2027, vision and hearing services at 80% coverage, and full/faster coverage for lower-income beneficiaries starting in 2026.

Who does it affect?

This affects roughly 65 million Medicare enrollees, particularly those in traditional Medicare rather than Medicare Advantage. It also affects dentists, optometrists, audiologists, and other providers who bill Medicare.

Why does it matter?

The changes would gradually expand what Medicare pays for, shifting costs and coverage rules over several years while giving HHS authority to set limits and prior authorization requirements.

What does it cost, and who pays?

• New dental, vision, hearing benefits
• Adds significant cost to Medicare
• Phases in through 2029

Where does it stand?