Assembly Joint Resolution
No. 30
CHAPTER 138
Relative to Medicare.
[
Approved by
Governor
September 18, 2012.
Filed with
Secretary of State
September 18, 2012.
]
LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
AJR 30, Pan.
Medicare: dental care.
This measure would memorialize the President and Congress of the United States to enact legislation that would add comprehensive, preventative dental care coverage to Medicare benefits.
Digest Key
Fiscal Committee:
NO WHEREAS, National Health Interview surveys from 1997 to 2009 found 24 to 30 percent of persons 65 years of age and older were edentulous; and
WHEREAS, The surveys also found that during that period only 17 to 24 percent of older edentate persons, compared to 69 to 73 percent of older dentate persons, had a dental visit in the past year; and
WHEREAS, Medicare does not currently provide for most dental care; and
WHEREAS, Senior citizens, many living on a fixed income, often cannot afford the out-of-pocket costs of dental care; and
WHEREAS, A study done in March 2005 by the State University of New York, University at Buffalo’s School of Dental Medicine found that cost was a major factor in senior citizens not obtaining dental care; and
WHEREAS, Covering medical illnesses that are directly correlated with poor dental health can be a significant expense for Medicare; and
WHEREAS, Many of the diseases correlated with dental health are preventable and could be avoided or mitigated through better dental care; and
WHEREAS, Including dental coverage in Medicare benefits will lower the program’s medical expenses as well as improve the quality of life for senior citizen; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Assembly and the Senate of the State of California, jointly, That the Legislature respectfully memorializes the President and Congress of the United States to enact appropriate legislation that would add comprehensive, preventative dental care coverage to Medicare benefits; and be it further
Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies of this measure to the President and Vice-President of the United States, to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, to the Majority Leader of the Senate, to the Chair of the Senate Special Committee on Aging, and to each Senator and Representative from California in the Congress of the United States.