As healthcare continues to evolve, it is critical that we address the comprehensive needs of individuals and families by providing access to all aspects of healthcare, including vision and dental care. Currently, vision and dental insurance are typically separated from basic health insurance, often treated as supplementary or elective coverage. However, integrating vision and dental care into basic health insurance would provide numerous benefits to individuals, employers, and the healthcare system as a whole. Dental and vision care are essential components of overall health and well-being. Many systemic health conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, and even certain cancers, have detectable symptoms in the mouth or eyes. Including these services as part of basic health insurance ensures that individuals can receive care that addresses the full spectrum of their health needs. Preventive dental and vision care is integral to maintaining health and preventing more serious medical issues down the line.
Routine dental and vision exams help identify health issues early, often before symptoms become serious or costly. For example:
Dental exams can detect early signs of gum disease, tooth decay, and even conditions like oral cancer, which, if untreated, can lead to expensive and invasive medical treatments.
Vision exams can identify underlying issues such as glaucoma, cataracts, and diabetic retinopathy, which can prevent blindness or severe vision loss if treated early.
By integrating dental and vision care into basic health insurance, we can encourage early intervention, which ultimately reduces the cost of treatment for serious conditions.