Universal HealthcareBy NextBestFit
Phase 2: Wave 1: seniors, near-seniors, and children · Step 2.7

Launch dental, vision & hearing benefits

Year 1 for Wave 1 populations · UHA; Rates BoardDiscuss this step

Pros & cons of this step

Pros
  • +Ends a major gap in Medicare and for working adults: dental is the most commonly skipped care because of cost.
  • +Untreated hearing loss is linked to social isolation and cognitive decline.
Cons
  • −Dentists accustomed to cash and private-pay fees face lower fees in some cases, and many may limit UHP patients.
  • −Dental capacity is limited: a 35% utilization jump means longer waits for routine dental care.
  • Coverage breadth vs. access: covering dental doesn't guarantee a dentist has a slot.

Trade-off behind each cost item

  • Dental services+$238.8B
    Providers of this service receive $5.8B less for the same care; patients receive $55.4B more care.
  • Durable medical equipment+$93.3B
    Providers of this service receive $8.5B less for the same care; patients receive $15.5B more care.