S. 5089 · Where this bill is now
In committee
Introduced in the Senate, Jul 22, 2026
What this bill does
In plain words · AI-written from the official summaryMedicare adds coverage for dental care
Right now, Medicare doesn't pay for dental work, which leaves many older adults paying out of pocket for things like cleanings and fillings. This bill would change that by adding dental and oral health services to what Medicare covers. The coverage would include routine check-ups and cleanings, basic and major dental work, emergency care, and dental prostheses (like dentures and implants).
How it affects you
If you're on Medicare or will be someday, this would mean dental care costs would be covered by your insurance instead of coming straight from your wallet. Currently, many seniors skip dental care because they can't afford it, so this could make it easier for older adults to get the treatment they need.
Read the official summary (Introduced in Senate, Jul 22, 2026)
Medicare Dental Benefit Act of 2026
This bill provides for Medicare coverage of dental and oral health services, including routine diagnostic and preventive services, basic and major dental services, and emergency care; dental prostheses are also covered. Currently, such services are excluded from Medicare coverage.
Written by AI (Claude) using only the official summary by the Congressional Research Service, the Library of Congress’s nonpartisan research staff. It can miss nuance, so check the official summary and the bill text for details.
2nd SessionS. 5089
A BILL
Medicare Dental Benefit Act of 2026
Sponsor: Sen. Angela D. Alsobrooks (D-MD) · Introduced Jul 22, 2026 · Health · 1 version of the text
Sources: Congress.gov actions and votes · bill text from GovInfo · latest official action Jul 22, 2026: “Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.”