as a real "health" issue when research has showed that dental problems can cause larger physical health problems even death.
http://dentistry.about.com/od/researchands...

Optical is needed because if you can't see well it tends to put a major damper on the quality of your life. Medicare Part B covers an ophthalmologist but not glasses themselves even though for some of us they're as important as mobility aids are to some.

Prescriptions being covered should go without saying and should also be included. This nonsense they offer Medicare recipients now is a travesty and needs to be overhauled and included.... not a'la carte.

IMO if we're going to go with some sort of socialized medical plan that's available to all, it really needs to take a holistic approach to health. IME true good health comes when all of our health needs are addressed. We need to work towards not just quantity but quality of life.