There are some facts that aren’t in dispute.
Nationwide, 45.1 percent of dental care costs are paid out of pocket — the largest share of any health care service.
In 2015, state agencies reported that more than a quarter of adults in Massachusetts lacked dental insurance, and in 2021, 19.2 percent of residents reported an unmet need in their family for dental care due to cost.
But will a dental insurance question on the ballot in November improve coverage? Or, as opponents claim, will it mainly raise costs? That’s the confusing part. Here are a few answers.
Consumer advocacy group Health Care For All didn’t take a position on the ballot question, but was also skeptical of some of its benefits.
“Dental benefit plans should have more financial transparency and accountability, however, the ballot initiative is not likely to improve consumers’ access to oral health care,” the organization said in a statement.
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