A New York state lawmaker is seeking to create a $5 million state-backed dental insurance program for veterans. Assemblyman David DiPietro, R-East Aurora, introduced A.9258 to provide comprehensive dental coverage through the state employee dental insurance plan.
Currently, 80% of veterans eligible for care through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) lack dental benefits, which are limited to former prisoners of war, those with 100% disability, or service-related dental injuries, according to the Institute for Oral Health.
As a result, veterans often experience higher rates of gum disease, missing teeth, and filled teeth than non-veterans. Chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease, linked to poor oral health, also contribute to higher out-of-pocket costs.
DiPietro said the proposed program would offer routine dental care and use a sliding scale for copayments based on income and disability level.
Veterans with 50% or higher disability ratings would not pay copays, while those rated between 10% and 50% would pay according to income. The program would exclude veterans with equivalent or better coverage from other public or private insurers.
“Dental care is an essential component of overall health, yet many veterans face significant barriers to accessing affordable services,” DiPietro wrote. “This program ensures equity, reduces financial strain, and honors New York’s commitment to veterans.”
National efforts have aimed to expand veterans’ dental coverage for years. In December 2024, the U.S. House approved the ADA-supported Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act, creating pilot programs for veterans ineligible for VA dental care, including those diagnosed with ischemic heart disease. The bill also included reporting requirements to improve access and reimbursement rates for dental providers.
DiPietro said the state program addresses gaps left by federal initiatives, providing faster and more accessible dental care for New York veterans.