A new federal rule narrowly expands Medicare coverage for dental services. Starting in 2023, Medicare Parts A and B will cover dental services that are "inextricably linked to, and substantially related and integral to, the clinical success of certain other covered medical services." Examples include necessary dental exams or treatment prior to organ transplant surgery or cardiac valve replacement, and before treatment for head and neck cancers (beginning in 2024). The rule also establishes a process to continually add to the list of medically necessary issues.
This is a really important step toward comprehensive dental coverage in Medicare. Thank you to those who reached out to your elected officials to support this change. Please be on the lookout for more provider- and patient-specific information in the weeks and months ahead.
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