 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
Nothing to Smile About on Older Americans Oral Health Report CardSenate Aging Committee Examines Ageism in Dental CareSeptember 22, 2003 WASHINGTON—The oral health of older Americans is in a state of decay, according to a national report card released today by the advocacy group Oral Health America before a forum of the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging. The group, examining a variety of ways older Americans have access to key dental services, gave failing or near failing grades to each state in all categories and gave the nation an overall D grade. Fourteen states and the District of Columbia received F’s for older adult dental coverage and 29 others received D’s. The highest grade was only a C+, shared by California and New York. “Dental care for our nation’s seniors remains in a state of decay,” said Robert Klaus, President of Oral Health America. “Too many older Americans suffer in silence as their oral health and periodontal needs are neglected. They deserve better and we need to do more,” he said. "Poor oral health care causes millions of vulnerable seniors to suffer needlessly," said Sen. John Breaux (D-LA), ranking member of the Senate Aging Committee. "Too often, these problems are underestimated, ignored or not detected until far too late, resulting in serious disease and even death. We must make oral health care a priority in helping care for our nation's seniors." Private dental insurance rates among older Americans are a national cavity. Sixteen states received an F, indicating that more than 80 percent of seniors had no private dental insurance. Hawaii and California earned A’s with over 50 percent insured. Private dental insurance is critical, as Medicare, the federal health insurance program, provides no coverage for routine dental care. Eight of the states that failed the private insurance category were also among the 23 states that received F’s or D’s for dental coverage under Medicaid. In those states, uninsured seniors have to pay out-of-pocket for all services other than those needed during life threatening or emergency situations. The national average for adult dental Medicaid coverage was D+. Even in states that do provide Medicaid dental coverage, treating a Medicaid patient’s toothache could cause financial pain. A barrier to seniors receiving dental care is finding a dentist who will accept lower Medicaid payments. In this category, the nation received an F. Tennessee received the nation’s highest mark with a C-. Thirty-nine states and the District of Columbia failed in this category. “I see seniors every day trying live with infection and pain that could have been easily avoided with proper care,” said Dr. Gregory Folse, a leading expert in geriatric dentistry and board member of Special Care Dentistry, who assisted in putting together the report and who testified before the committee. “Every state is capable of earning an A if they commit to caring for the oral health needs of vulnerable older Americans” Along with the District of Columbia, the 14 states that received overall falling grades were Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Idaho, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Virginia and West Virginia. The Senate Special Committee on Aging forum on ageism in oral health care is
examining the oral health issues facing seniors and developing and discussing
potential solutions. Oral Health America is the nation’s premier, fully independent, organization dedicated to improving oral health. The National Grading Report was funded in part by a generous grant from The W.K. Kellogg Foundation. Full report card results are available by visiting www.oralhealthamerica.org. BROADCASTERS NOTE: Video footage of Senator Breaux will be made available on ____________ via ______________________________.
|
