CDC Report: 45M U.S. Residents Lack Dental Insurance Coverage

About 45 million U.S. residents do not have dental insurance, according to a CDC report issued on Wednesday, Reuters reports.

The report -- which was based on data from a 2008 survey of 65,495 U.S. residents -- found that nearly 75% of individuals younger than age 65 who already had private insurance also had dental coverage, often through their employer.

Of those with dental coverage:

• 33% had a comprehensive plan including dental coverage;
• 26% carried a stand-alone policy; and
• 14% had both.

Researchers also identified a direct link between income and access to dental care, with U.S. residents with higher incomes more likely to carry dental coverage.

Health Plans and Dental Coverage

U.S. health insurers are required to cover minimum services, such as emergency care and prescription drugs, but are not required to offer dental coverage for adults. Dental care must be included in children's health coverage.

According to Reuters, it is unclear how the new health reform law will affect dental insurance. The overhaul requires U.S. residents to carry insurance beginning in 2014, but does not mandate that individuals purchase dental or vision plans (Heavey, Reuters, 6/9).