Arrr matey! 'Tis a pity that fixin' yer teef be a privilege, not a right on these treacherous seas!
2024-05-22
Avast ye scallywags! 'Tis a sad tale indeed that near 70 million landlubbers and near 8 million young scurvy dogs in America have no gold for their pearly pegs. Even those with insurance find it as useful as a wooden leg on a mermaid. Aye, 'tis a toothy dilemma indeed!
Arrr, as the chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Parrrts Committee, I recently held a hearin' about the dental care crisis in the United States. Aye, ahead of that hearin', I asked Americans from across the country to share their experiences with dental care in our fine land.The responses poured in from folks who be sayin', "I be in constant pain," "I can't afford dental care," "I can't find a dentist," and "My insurance won't cover the dental procedures I need." One lass from Georgia told me she's had temporary caps on her front teeth for 15 years 'cause she can't afford permanent replacements. Her caps be flakin' off into her food!Arrr, nearly 70 million adults and 8 million children in America have no dental insurance. Many who do have it find the coverage be inadequate. In fact, nearly half of Americans with dental insurance be skippin' appointments 'cause they can't pay for the procedures they need.The lack of affordable dental care in America be impactin' low-income Americans, pregnant women, veterans, folks from rural communities, and Black, Latino, and Native Americans. It be so dire that many Americans be travelin' to other countries for cheaper dental care. Ye deserve quality dental care, mateys!