Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) cosponsored the Veterans Dental Care Eligibility Expansion and Enhancement Act of 2018, legislation that would establish a pilot program on the expansion of dental services and treatment to all veterans enrolled in the VA health care system.
Sen. Catherine Cortez-Masto
During a visit to Reno earlier this year, Senator Cortez Masto met with volunteers from the Adopt a Vet Dental Program, which helps provide Northern Nevada’s veterans with free dental care, and saw firsthand the need for expanded access to treatment options. Over 95% of Nevada’s veteran population doesn’t qualify for dental care through the VA, even though many are facing significant health and wellness problems related to oral decay.
“Nevada is home to more than 218,000 veterans. Too many of our nation’s veterans are currently going without critical dental services, which can profoundly affect their overall health, mental well-being, and employment opportunities. Every single one of these heroes deserves the highest quality healthcare we can provide. I’m proud to cosponsor this legislation, which will put the Department of Veterans Affairs on the path of providing additional support to our veterans and ensure that they have access to quality dental care through the VA.”
The Veterans Dental Care Eligibility Expansion and Enhancement Act of 2018 would establish a pilot program on the expansion of dental services and treatment to all veterans enrolled in VA health care. The pilot program would expand dental care services and treatment to veterans who are enrolled in VA health care at 16 locations across the country. These pilot sites would assess the feasibility and ability to furnish dental services and treatment to 100,000 Veterans who volunteer to participate in the program.
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