H.R. 2045: Medicare Dental, Vision, and Hearing Benefit Act of 2025
Sponsor
Lloyd Doggett
Democrat · TX-37
Bill Progress
Latest Action · Mar 11, 2025
Referred to Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. for review
Medicare should cover the care you actually need
Why it matters
Routine dental care would be covered at 100%, and many vision and hearing services at 80%, starting in 2026. H.R. 2045 would add teeth, eye, and hearing benefits that many Medicare patients now pay for themselves.
H.R. 2045 would expand Medicare to cover three things the program has historically left out: dental care, routine vision care, and hearing services. For many older adults, those are not extras — they are the care that affects whether you can eat comfortably, read a label, drive safely, or follow a conversation.
On dental care, the bill starts with full coverage for preventive services in 2026. That includes oral exams, cleanings, x-rays, and fluoride treatments, with Medicare paying 100%. Other dental work — including fillings, extractions, crowns, bridges, root canals, periodontal care, and emergency dental treatment — would phase in more slowly: 30% in 2027, 60% in 2028, and 80% in 2029.
If you qualify for Medicare's low-income drug subsidy, the bill gives you faster help. Preventive dental care would still be covered at 100%, and other dental services would jump to 80% in 2027 instead of waiting until 2029.
Vision coverage would also begin in 2026. Medicare would cover 80% of routine eye exams, plus partial help for eyewear: up to $100 for lenses each year, $100 for frames every two years, and $200 for contact lenses every two years. Those lens and contact-lens caps would rise with inflation starting in 2027.
Hearing coverage follows a similar model. Medicare would cover 80% of routine hearing exams, hearing-aid exams, and hearing aids starting in 2026, with a limit of one hearing aid per ear every 48 months. The bill also lets the administration set extra rules, including prior authorization and a minimum level of hearing loss for coverage.
H.R. 2045 Bill Summary
What H.R. 2045 actually does.
Dental cleanings and exams become fully covered
Starting in 2026, Medicare would pay 100% for preventive dental care, including oral exams, cleanings, x-rays, and fluoride treatments. Routine cleanings would be limited to two per 12 months, and routine exams to two per 12 months.
Crowns, root canals, and other major dental work phase in
More expensive dental care would not be fully added all at once. Medicare would cover 30% in 2027, 60% in 2028, and 80% in 2029 and later for services such as fillings, extractions, crowns, bridges, root canals, and periodontal care.
Low-income Medicare patients get faster dental help
People who qualify for the low-income subsidy would get 80% coverage for non-preventive dental services starting in 2027. That is two years earlier than the standard phase-in reaches the same level.
Routine eye exams and eyewear get partial Medicare coverage
Beginning in 2026, Medicare would cover 80% of routine eye exams. The bill also adds capped help for eyewear: up to $100 for lenses each year, $100 for frames every 24 months, and $200 for contact lenses every 24 months.
Hearing aids and hearing exams become covered benefits
Starting in 2026, Medicare would cover 80% of routine hearing exams, hearing-aid exams, and hearing aids. Hearing-aid coverage would be limited to one device per ear every 48 months.
Dentures get covered, but with replacement limits
Dentures would be covered at 80% starting in 2027. The bill limits payment to one full upper and one full lower denture every five years, plus one partial upper and one partial lower denture every five years.
Who benefits from H.R. 2045?
Medicare patients skipping the dentist because of cost
If you have been putting off cleanings or exams, H.R. 2045 would make preventive dental care fully covered in 2026. It also starts adding help for more expensive work like crowns and root canals after that.
Low-income older adults and disabled Medicare enrollees
People who qualify for Medicare's low-income subsidy would get 80% coverage for non-preventive dental care starting in 2027, instead of waiting until 2029 under the standard schedule.
People who need glasses, contacts, or low-vision support
The bill would cover 80% of routine eye exams and add limited help with lenses, frames, and contact lenses. That would not make eyewear free, but it would shift some recurring vision costs into Medicare.
People with hearing loss
Hearing aids can cost thousands of dollars. H.R. 2045 would move 80% of that cost into Medicare coverage, along with routine hearing exams and hearing-aid exams.
Who is affected by H.R. 2045?
All Medicare enrollees
Everyone in Medicare could see a broader benefit package, but not every service would be fully covered. Many benefits still come with frequency limits, payment caps, or phased-in coverage.
Dentists, eye-care providers, and hearing specialists
These providers could see more Medicare patients if coverage expands. They could also face new Medicare billing rules, payment limits, and possible prior authorization requirements.
Suppliers of dentures, eyewear, and hearing aids
The bill says dentures, eyeglass lenses, contact lenses, and hearing aids would stay outside Medicare's competitive acquisition system. That affects how these products are reimbursed and supplied.
Medicare administrators and the Health and Human Services Secretary
The administration would have to define additional covered services, manage claims, and decide whether to apply extra limits such as prior authorization or hearing-loss thresholds.
HR2045 Legislative Journey
House: Committee Action
Mar 11, 2025
Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
About the Sponsor
Lloyd Doggett
Democrat, Texas's 37th congressional district · 31 years in Congress
Committees: Ways and Means, the Budget, Joint Committee on Taxation
View full profile →
Cosponsors (131)
All 131 cosponsors are Democrats. Cosponsors represent 35 states: Alabama, Arizona, California, and 32 more.
Alma Adams
Democrat · NC
Yassamin Ansari
Democrat · AZ
Becca Balint
Democrat · VT
Nanette Barragán
Democrat · CA
Joyce Beatty
Democrat · OH
Donald Beyer
Democrat · VA
Sanford Bishop
Democrat · GA
Suzanne Bonamici
Democrat · OR
Brendan Boyle
Democrat · PA
André Carson
Democrat · IN
Troy Carter
Democrat · LA
Greg Casar
Democrat · TX
Cosponsor Coverage Map
Committee Sponsors
Ways and Means Committee
12 of 45 committee members cosponsored
Energy and Commerce Committee
14 of 54 committee members cosponsored
17 Democrats across these committees haven't cosponsored yet. Mobilize their constituents
What laws does H.R. 2045 change?
4 changes
Sections Amended
Section 1861 of Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395x)
adding at the end the following new subsection: ``Dental and Oral Health Services ``(nnn) The term `dental and oral health services' means-- ``(1) preventative and screening services, such as oral exams, dental cleanings, dental x-rays, and fluoride treatments; ``(2) basic dental services, such as tooth restorations, basic periodontics services, tooth extractions, and oral disease management services; ``(3) major dental services, such as major tooth restorations, major periodontics services, bridges, crowns, root canals, and extractions; ``(4) emergency dental care; and ``(5) other necessary services related to dental or oral health (as defined by the Secretary)
Section 1834 of Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395m)
adding at the end the following new subsection: ``(aa) Payment and Limits for Dental and Oral Health Services
Section 1834(a) of Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395m(a))
adding at the end the following new paragraph: ``(23) Payment and limits for dentures
Section 1862(a) of Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395y)
striking paragraph (12)
H.R. 2045 Quick Facts
- Committee
- Ways and Means
- Chamber
- House
- Policy
- Health
- Introduced
- Mar 11, 2025
Referred to Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. for review
Mar 11, 2025
Official Sources
Official bill status, text, sponsors, and actions for the Medicare Dental, Vision, and Hearing Benefit Act of 2025.
Official Medicare page explaining current dental coverage, useful for comparing how the bill would expand benefits.
Official Medicare page on routine eye exams, directly relevant to the bill’s proposed vision benefit expansion.
Official Medicare page describing current eyewear coverage rules, relevant to the bill’s proposed lens, frame, and contact-lens subsidies.
Official Medicare page on current hearing exam coverage, useful context for the bill’s added routine hearing benefits.
Official Medicare page on hearing aid coverage, directly relevant because the bill would newly cover hearing aids under Medicare.
Official Medicare information about the low-income subsidy program referenced in the bill for faster dental coverage.
Official text of Title XVIII of the Social Security Act, which the bill amends to add dental, vision, and hearing benefits to Medicare.
H.R. 2045 Common Questions
Would H.R. 2045 make Medicare cover dental cleanings?
Yes. H.R. 2045 would make preventive dental care fully covered starting in 2026, including cleanings, oral exams, x-rays, and fluoride treatments.
Does H.R. 2045 cover crowns, bridges, and root canals?
Yes, but not all at once. Medicare would cover 30% in 2027, 60% in 2028, and 80% in 2029 and later for major dental work like crowns, bridges, and root canals.
Would low-income Medicare patients get better dental coverage sooner?
Yes. If you qualify for Medicare's low-income subsidy, H.R. 2045 would cover 80% of non-preventive dental services starting in 2027 instead of waiting until 2029.
Would Medicare cover dentures under H.R. 2045?
Yes. Starting in 2027, Medicare would cover 80% of dentures, with limits of one full upper and one full lower denture every five years, plus one partial upper and one partial lower every five years.
Would H.R. 2045 add Medicare coverage for eye exams and glasses?
Yes. The bill would cover 80% of routine eye exams starting in 2026 and add capped help for eyewear: up to $100 for lenses, $100 for frames, and $200 for contacts.
Would Medicare cover hearing aids under H.R. 2045?
Yes. H.R. 2045 would cover 80% of hearing aids and routine hearing exams starting in 2026, with a limit of one hearing aid per ear every 48 months.
Could Medicare require prior approval for hearing aids or dental services?
Yes. The bill lets the administration apply prior authorization and other reasonable limits for dental services, dentures, and hearing coverage.
Has H.R. 2045 become law?
No. H.R. 2045 was introduced in the House and referred to committee. It still needs to pass the House and Senate and be signed by the president.
Based on H.R. 2045 bill text
H.R. 2045 Bill Text
“To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for coverage of dental, vision, and hearing care under the Medicare program.”
Source: U.S. Government Publishing Office
Get notified when H.R. 2045 moves
Committee votes, floor action, cosponsor changes — straight to your inbox.
Bill alerts + Legisletter's monthly briefing. Unsubscribe anytime.
Health Bills
9 related bills we're tracking
Nancy Gardner Sewell Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Ways and Means. H. Rept. 119-333, Part I.
Oct 3, 2025
Mikaela Naylon Give Kids a Chance Act
Received in the Senate.
Dec 2, 2025
Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act of 2025
Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.
Jun 25, 2026
CONNECT for Health Act of 2025
Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Jun 26, 2025
Momnibus Act
Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
Apr 20, 2026
Right to Contraception Act
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Feb 5, 2025
Women’s Health Protection Act of 2025
Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Jun 24, 2025
Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act of 2025
Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Jan 31, 2025
EACH Act of 2025
Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
Dec 19, 2025
Trending Right Now
Bills gaining momentum across Congress
Accelerating Access to Dementia and Alzheimer’s Provider Training Act
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 628.
Jul 2, 2026
More Homes on the Market Act
Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
Feb 13, 2025
John Lewis Every Child Deserves a Family Act
Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Nov 20, 2025
Tracking Health in Congress? Monitor bills, track cosponsor momentum, and launch advocacy campaigns — all from one advocacy platform.