A group of legislators recently introduced a bill that would create a dental care pilot program for veterans with chronic conditions, VermontBiz reported June 15.
The Improving Whole Health for Veterans with Chronic Conditions Act would establish the four-year pilot program under the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide comprehensive dental treatment to veterans diagnosed with diabetes and ischemic heart disease. Research would be conducted on the health outcomes and cost effectiveness of the services.
The program would also provide loan reimbursement to dental professionals who serve for the duration of the pilot at a Veterans Affairs dental clinic.
The bill was introduced June 13 and endorsed by several healthcare and veteran organizations, including the American Institute of Dental Public Health, the American Heart Association, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America and Minority Veterans of America.