Barragán and Alsobrooks introduce bills to mandate dental coverage in Medicaid and Medicare

Medicaid Dental Benefit Act of 2026·Latest event July 22, 2026

Jul 22

Barragán and Alsobrooks introduce bills to mandate dental coverage in Medicaid and Medicare

The Medicaid Dental Benefit Act of 2026 would require all state Medicaid programs to provide oral health services for adults starting in 2027. Currently, dental care is an optional benefit. This leads to significant disparities in coverage across state lines. The House version of the bill includes full federal funding for the mandate. The Senate version proposes a 2028 start date. This would ensure millions of low income people have access to a dentist regardless of where they live. House and Senate Democrats also introduced the Medicare Dental Benefit Act of 2026 to add dental services to Medicare Part B. If passed, the legislation would cover routine exams and major procedures like root canals and dentures starting in 2028. These bills aim to provide dental access to seniors and low income individuals who currently lack comprehensive oral healthcare.

H.R. 9831Medicaid: Required Dental Coverage for Adults S. 5091Medicaid: Mandatory Adult Dental Benefits S. 5089Medicare: Dental Care Coverage H.R. 9832Medicare: Dental Care Coverage

Policies

H.R. 9831 and S. 5091 are companion bills for Medicaid dental reform, while H.R. 9832 and S. 5089 are companion bills for Medicare dental reform. Both pairs represent a coordinated effort by Barragan and Alsobrooks to expand oral health benefits across both federal health programs.

H.R. 9831

Medicaid: Required Dental Coverage for Adults

Jul 22

S. 5091

Medicaid: Mandatory Adult Dental Benefits

Jul 22

S. 5089

Medicare: Dental Care Coverage

Jul 22

H.R. 9832

Medicare: Dental Care Coverage

Jul 22

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