National Guard and Military Reservists Face Difficulty Accessing Oral Healthcare

While full-time, active members of the United States military receive free healthcare that is easily accessed, members of the National Guard and Reserve are not so fortunate. According to a meeting hosted in early March—How Teeth Impact Military Readiness for the Reserve and Guard—these important military members face tremendous difficulty finding oral healthcare providers who accept their insurer, the Reserve Health Readiness Program. It typically only covers exams and some emergency care. National Guard and Reservists often have to pay out of pocket for necessary specialty care, such as periodontics and endodontics. Active legislation—HR3512 Healthcare for Our Troops Act—is designed to address these issues. Click here to read more.