Help With Paying for Dental Care for the Elderly

Elderly people face many problems that may affect their ability to receive dental care. Some of those problems include illness, lack of transportation to and from dental offices, and an inability to afford the cost of dental treatments. In the United States alone, over 60 percent of seniors over the age of 65 still have at least some of their natural teeth, reports the Virginia Department of Health. Keeping your teeth longer and maintaining proper dental health requires dental care. There are many ways for seniors in need to receive help paying for the cost of dental care.

Medicaid and Medicare

• If you're currently on a Medicare private health plan, you may qualify for routine dental care coverage, according to the Medicare Rights Center. Speak to a dentist or someone at your Medicare plan to determine what dental services they may cover. If dental care is covered by your Medicare plan, you may receive dental care at no additional cost to you.

  Elderly people on Medicare may also be eligible to receive help from Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs). Some FQHCs provide dental care not covered by Medicare. Ask your dentist if he participates in this program.

  If you're an elderly person with very low income, you may want to apply for Medicaid services. Medicaid covers different types of dental care and services, depending on the state that you live in. You can apply for Medicaid online or by calling or visiting your local Medicaid office. Depending on your location and income, you may be able to receive dental care at no cost. Ask your Medicaid office if it provides free dental care services.

Free or Reduced-Cost Dental Clinics

• There are many different dental clinics and services that offer help for elderly people who need dental care. Some of these programs offer free services, while others help you pay the cost of dental care by offering reduced-cost services. Check with your local community hospital or healthcare center. Many hospitals offer dental care services on their premises. Your primary-care physician may be able to answer some questions about these services.

  Many health centers provide reduced-cost or free dental care for elderly patients with low income, reports the Medicare Rights Center. The help that you receive from these programs is typically determined by your income. If you're an elderly person with extremely low income, you may qualify for free dental care. Seniors with a higher income or other benefits may qualify for dental care at a reduced cost.

  Ask your dentist if he participates in donated dental-service programs. Many dentists agree to donate a certain number of free hours every month to provide free dental care for elderly individuals with very low income. You can also check with the donated dental-service programs in your state to see which dentists in your area offer free dental care.

  Visit a dental school in your area. Dental schools often offer quality, low-cost dental care for people of different income levels. Many dental schools provide general cleaning and minor dental procedures performed by dental students. According to the Medicare Rights Center, these procedures are supervised by licensed dentists.

Nonprofit Organizations

• Check out the nonprofit organization Dentistry From the Heart (DentistryFromtheHeart.org). This organization provides free dental care for thousands of people in more than a dozen different states every year. Visit the website to see where free dental clinics are being held in your area. Seniors can visit these locations in their states to receive free dental care throughout the year.

  Check out Mission of Mercy (AMissionofMercy.org), a nonprofit community-based dental clinic that offers free dental care without any prequalification requirements. Mission of Mercy provides free dental care to more than 25,000 people every year. If you're an elderly person living in Arizona, Maryland, Pennsylvania or Texas, visit the website to find the location of the free Mission of Mercy dental clinic in your area.

  The National Foundation of Dentistry for the Handicapped (NFDH.org) provides comprehensive dental care specifically for elderly and disabled individuals who have no way to pay the cost of dental care. Visit the website or contact the National Foundation of Dentistry for the Handicapped program located in your state to receive dental care.