Cancer Patients Advocate for Financial Relief from Dental Bills

Cancer patients and survivors are urging Massachusetts lawmakers for financial relief as they grapple with substantial dental bills resulting from radiation treatment. 

Denise DeSimone, a throat and neck cancer survivor, shared her experience of facing dental problems, including the need for extractions and crowns, leading to a personal expense of $8,000 to replace her two front teeth. 

The plea for relief centers around supporting Rep. Paul McMurtry’s proposal (H 1094), which advocates for health insurers to cover dental procedures related to or resulting from a medical condition.

Dental Complications Worsen Over Time

During a hearing with the Joint Committee on Financial Services, survivors highlighted the escalating dental complications caused by radiation treatment, emphasizing that these issues only worsen over time. 

The proposed bill is not only seen as a means to address dental care but as a way to restore dignity, confidence, and the ability to live healthy lives. Advocates argue that comprehensive dental care can prevent further complications, reduce the need for additional medical interventions, and ultimately save costs in the long run.

Model Shares Cancer Battle Triggered by Routine Dental Visit

Insurance companies commonly do not recognize dental care for cancer patients as medically necessary, placing the financial burden on individuals. 

The bill, previously favored by the committee, was sent to study by the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing during the last session, prompting renewed efforts to bring it back to the forefront.

Endorsement from Advocacy Groups and Medical Institutions

The legislation is receiving strong support from the Massachusetts Oncology Patients, Survivors, and Supporters (MOPSS), an advocacy group that has garnered endorsement from prominent medical institutions, including the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Mass General Brigham, and Boston Medical Center. 

The bill’s backers argue that creating a new framework for health insurers to handle dental and cancer treatments together is essential.

Dr. Mark Varvares, a head and neck surgeon at Mass Eye and Ear, emphasized the urgency of addressing the lack of coverage for basic dental care before head-neck cancer treatment, stating that it poses a threat to patient survival. Patients have reportedly mortgaged their homes to afford necessary dental devices following cancer treatments, highlighting the critical need for comprehensive insurance coverage.

Oral cancer patients delaying treatment due to pandemic

Thomas Healy, founder of MOPSS, expressed the bill’s potential to create a transformative framework for health insurers, encouraging collaboration between oncology, dental, and insurance entities. The proposed legislation aims to streamline the process, ensuring that oncology patients receive essential dental care at the right time.

Ongoing Struggle for Oral Health

Amy Gross, a cancer survivor, shared her concerns about the potential impact of radiation on her oral health and the uncertainty surrounding coverage for future dental procedures. 

She emphasized the enduring struggle faced by patients who find themselves arguing with insurance and dental companies for basic oral procedures that significantly impact their health and daily quality of life. 

The advocacy for financial relief continues as cancer survivors seek a resolution to this critical issue.