WHEREAS:

Medicare plays a pivotal role in providing health and financial security to over 60 million older Americans and to younger Americans with disabilities; and

WHEREAS:

Medicare does not cover all health care-related costs including dental, vision and hearing care. Basic and necessary care like routine dental exams, cleanings and restoration, hearing exams and hearing aids and basic eye exams and eyeglasses are not covered by traditional Medicare; and

WHEREAS:

The lack of dental care can worsen medical conditions, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease, contribute to delayed diagnosis of serious medical conditions and lead to preventable complications that sometimes result in costly emergency room visits and even death; and

WHEREAS:

Hearing loss can undermine seniors’ quality of life, leading to loneliness, isolation, depression, anxiety and communication disorders, and contribute to the onset of dementia; and

WHEREAS:

Traditional Medicare only covers eye care related to illness or injury of the eye, and not routine eye exams, glasses or contact lenses; and

WHEREAS:

Enhancing Medicare to include dental coverage, hearing exams and hearing aids and basic vision care and eyeglasses would improve the health, financial security and quality of life of Medicare beneficiaries.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

AFSCME and its working members and retiree affiliates will continue to support and advocate for legislation to enhance Medicare to cover dental, hearing and vision care benefits to ensure that all Americans may continue to have access to comprehensive and affordable health care coverage and a secure and dignified retirement.

SUBMITTED BY:
Jeff Birttnen, Chair and Delegate
Sonia Moseley, Vice Chair and Delegate
Sue Conard, Secretary and Delegate
AFSCME Retirees Council