The Evaluation of Cognitive Impairment on Dental Care Utilization: A Comparative Analysis of Medicare and Medicaid Beneficiaries

This study reveals significant disparities in dental care utilization among individuals with cognitive disabilities, particularly among Medicare-only beneficiaries. These findings underscore the urgent need for Medicare reforms to include supplemental benefits, such as dental coverage. Aligning dental coverage across Medicare and Medicaid is important to mitigate inequities, improve overall health outcomes, and reduce long-term healthcare costs, particularly for vulnerable populations with disabilities.