H.R. 9832 — Medicare Dental Benefit Act of 2026

This section expands Medicare Part B coverage to include dental and oral health services necessary to prevent disease, promote oral health, restore function, reduce pain, and treat emergencies. It covers routine cleanings, exams, x-rays, fillings, extractions, root canals, crowns, dentures, and related services, with routine diagnostic and preventive care classified as a preventive service. Payment phases in from 0 percent in the first year after enactment to 80 percent by the eighth year (to 80 percent immediately for subsidy-eligible individuals), subject to two cleanings and two exams per 12-month period and Secretarial authority to add limits, waive frequency rules, or modify coverage consistent with USPSTF recommendations. It also includes dental prostheses under the physician fee schedule and related payment rules.

This section increases the Federal medical assistance percentage to 100 percent (from each state's regular rate) for the portion of state expenditures on Medicare cost-sharing for qualified Medicare beneficiaries that is attributable to dental and oral health services under Medicare Part B.

This section requires the Preventive Services Task Force to include at least one oral health professional, effective January 1, 2028.