The introduction of HB4146 would significantly alter the landscape of Medicare benefits. With the addition of dental coverage, Medicare participants would benefit from a comprehensive health program that addresses the significant relationship between oral health and overall health. Supporters argue that this change could lead to improved health outcomes by facilitating access to preventive care and addressing dental issues before they escalate into more serious health problems. This amendment is expected to not only enhance individual health but also potentially reduce healthcare costs in the long term through the prevention of complex conditions.
Summary
House Bill 4146, known as the Medicare Dental Benefit Act of 2023, is a legislative effort to enhance Medicare by providing coverage for dental services. The bill seeks to amend Title XVIII of the Social Security Act to include dental and oral health services within the Medicare program's benefits. This inclusion is aimed at improving access to essential dental care for vulnerable populations who previously had limited coverage. The proposed dental services under this bill encompass routine diagnostic and preventive care, basic and major dental services, and emergency dental care.
Contention
However, the bill is not without its points of contention. Critics raise concerns over the financial implications of expanding Medicare to include dental services, suggesting it may strain federal and state budgets. Questions also arise regarding the adequacy of the reimbursement rates for dental providers under Medicare, with skepticism about whether the proposed system would allow for sustainable and quality care delivery. There are also discussions about the potential regulatory challenges associated with integrating these new services into the existing framework of Medicare and how this may impact current beneficiaries and providers.
Medicare Dental, Vision, and Hearing Benefit Act of 2023 This bill provides for Medicare coverage of dental, vision, and hearing care. Coverage includes (1) routine dental cleanings and exams, basic and major dental services, emergency dental care, and dentures; (2) routine eye exams, eyeglasses, and contact lenses; and (3) routine hearing exams, hearing aids, and exams for hearing aids. With respect to such care, the bill establishes special payment rules, limitations, and coinsurance requirements.
Legal Workforce Act This bill directs the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to create an electronic employment eligibility confirmation system modeled after and to replace the E-Verify system, which allows employers and recruiters to verify the immigration status of individuals. The bill also mandates the use of such a system, where currently only some employers, such as those with federal contracts, are required to use E-Verify. The bill specifies documents that can establish an individual's identity and employment authorization. During the period starting when a job offer is made until three business days after hiring, the individual must attest to his or her employment authorization, and the employer or recruiter must attest that it has examined the individual's required documents. Employers shall reverify certain types of employees who were not previously verified using E-verify. The Social Security Administration shall notify employees if their Social Security number has been used multiple times in an unusual manner. DHS shall establish programs for blocking and suspending misused numbers. Employers that are required to use the verification system shall not be liable for any employment-related action based on a good-faith reliance on the information from the system. The bill establishes a phased-in participation deadline for different categories of employers, including agricultural employers. The bill increases civil penalties related to hiring individuals without work authorization. It also preempts state laws relating to hiring and employment eligibility verification, but states may use their authority of business licensing to penalize employers for failing to comply with the bill's provisions.