Free dental care for seniors on Medicare.
Senior citizens who are on Medicare are able to get free dental care. There are government programs, non-profit organizations as well as private insurance companies that provide oral care to the elderly. The options available range from clinics to supplemental Medicare coverage, charity care and more. Find free dental care for seniors who have Medicare insurance.
Dental health is crucial, especially for seniors. Older adults too need teeth cleanings, often oral surgery, or even dentures or implants. However, the rising costs of dental procedures, regular treatment and replacement teeth can deter many senior citizens from getting the necessary care. There is help available, as noted below.
Types of free dental provided to a senior on Medicare
Seniors that are enrolled in Medicare have resources available to them. The range of care provided by a dentist or program varier, but include some or all of the following services.
- Routine cleanings, fluoride and free examinations. These are essential for maintaining dental health and preventing potential issues.
- Fillings and extractions to address cavities or problematic teeth
- Dentures (partial, complete or full sets) and denture repairs for senior citizens.
- Root canals as well as other necessary dental surgeries, including from an oral surgeon who take Medicare.
- Implants for one or more teeth that a senior may need, and look here for more details on free implants for seniors.
Of course what is provided to a senior citizen will depend on the assistance program, clinic, or dentist. In addition, while much of the dental care will be free for people on Medicare, some services may be income based – meaning if the senior has enough of an income and/or assets to their name, a minimal cost may be due.
Government benefits that provide free dental to the elderly
There are several government assistance programs available. Some are run in partnership with private health insurance companies, such as Medicare Advantage (Part C). Others are for low-income senior citizens, such as Medicaid. There are also some state governments that provide free dental to the elderly in that state only using benefits available only in that state.
Medicaid pays for some dental care for low-income seniors, families and people on a fixed income. This government benefit is a state and federal run program, and it can provide free dental care for seniors in certain states, even if they are on Medicare as well. This is state specific and also income based.
Each state has their own rules on Medicaid may or may not pay for. Many offer free basic dental, such as cleanings, X-Rays or exams for seniors. Some states provide more advanced care, such as free sets of teeth implants or full or partial dentures for people on Medicaid. The assistance varies by state, and locate free government insurance.
Medicare Advantage Plans often offers dental. The benefit, also known as Part C, often provide free or affordable dental care to seniors. The plans are offered by private insurance companies that are approved by the United States CMS & HHS (Medicare). These plans cover everything that so called “Original” Medicare (Parts A and B) covers and often include additional benefits, like vision, hearing, and free dental care. The exact benefits, however, can vary widely between plans and insurance companies. It's essential to read the plan details or contact the provider directly for information.
- Several major insurance companies offer Medicare Advantage Plans that include free or low-cost dental coverage for senior citizens. Some of the most prominent companies include Aetna (1-855-335-1407); Humana (888-204-4062 ); UnitedHealthcare (1-877-596-3258); Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield (855-949-3319); Cigna; as well as Kaiser Permanente. These are just a few of the major players. There are many other regional and national insurers that offer Medicare Advantage Plans with varying degrees of dental coverage to the elderly on a fixed income or social security.
- The type of dental coverage under Medicare Advantage ranges from basic to comprehensive. Most insurance plans may only cover routine cleanings and exams, while others might include more advanced procedures. Always read the plan details carefully and an insurance company plan might have a separate premium for added dental benefits for a senior, while others might include it in the plan's main premium.
- Patients also need to ensure they are comfortable with the plan's network of dentists, hospitals, dental chains and other providers. As there are insurance companies that might require senior citizens to see in-network providers or dentists for the lowest costs.
- The application process, and number of options for Medicare Advantage dental insurance, is overwhelming. Seniors often have difficulty navigating the Medicare application process to find free dental. Consider speaking with a local or online insurance broker, non-profit advocate or agent who specializes in Medicare plans. They can guide you based on your needs and budget. Find more details on non-profit medical advocate.
- Senior citizens who need dental work can enroll in, switch, or drop a Medicare Advantage Plan during the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), which runs from October 15 to December 7 every year. There are also Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs) for specific situations.
- Before applying to Medicare Advantage Plan, ensure you're eligible. Seniors need to have both Medicare Part A and Part B and also live in the plan's service area. Use the Medicare Plan Finder on Medicare's official website to find available plans in your area. Be sure to visit their websites for more detailed information about their cheap or free dental coverage for senior citizens, costs, and other benefits.
Government programs that provide free dental to senior citizens, like Medicaid or Medicare Advantage, have ongoing benefits, but it's essential to review your eligibility and coverage annually, including for senior or retirees using a private health insurance provider. The coverage varies from state to state.
Senior citizens, uninsured patients, people on a fixed income or social security or those on Medicare can check the specific dental benefits in their state on the Medicaid or Medicare website. Also note that continual benefits for free dental work for senior citizens often require annual review and renewal. Learn more on understanding Medicare Advantage.
Free dental for senior citizens from charities
Whether on Medicare or not, a senior citizen (or any person of any age) can get free dental services from a charity or non-profit. Many have volunteer dentists, oral surgeons, hygienists, and other well trained staff. They will offer basic preventative dental, emergency care such as extractions, and some even provide free or cheap dentures to senior citizens.
Dental clinics that take Medicare: Many community health centers provide dental care on a sliding fee scale, meaning the cost is based on the patient’s ability to pay. Community Health Centers, federally funded clinic and mobile dental centers are located in most communities, including near you. These centers provide free dental and health care based on the senior’s ability to pay.
Dental clinics often operate year-round, but it's wise to call ahead and check for available appointments or any specific clinics for seniors. As they might have specific days or periods dedicated to senior citizens. Get free dental services at a clinic.
Volunteer dentists: Some dentists offer their services pro bono or at reduced costs for seniors and those in need. The Dental Lifeline Network is an organization that connects volunteers with seniors in need. There is free preventative care and emergency services as well. Free dental care days from full time dentists, or events by dental chains or non-profits near you, usually occur annually or bi-annually. It's essential to stay updated on their schedules and book early. Locate dentists that take Medicaid.
America's Dentists Care Foundation (ADCF): It aids local non-profits in hosting free local or mobile dental clinics. They serve as platforms where volunteer dentists offer either free or highly discounted services to those in need, especially seniors. ADCF operates nationwide, and call (316) 260-5056 for details
Mission of Mercy: They have free dental care events across various states, including for seniors with no insurance or a low income. There is free dental for seniors who live on a fixed income, those on Medicare insurance, or an elderly person that has no money. Read more on uninsured medical treatment.
University dental clinics for senior care: Some dental schools offer services to seniors as well as the low-income at a reduced price. The care is provided to older adults on Medicare by students under professional supervision. This can be a win-win situation, with senior citizens that have Medicare insurance receiving care at a lower cost (or for free) and students gaining practical experience. Find a free dental school for treatment near you.
Dentistry from the Heart: While not a dental chain, they provide free preventative care or emergency surgery to seniors, the low-income and elderly on Medicare. This nonprofit organization partners with dental practices across the country to provide free dental care days. During these events, seniors on Medicare or that have no insurance or money can receive cleanings, fillings, or extractions for free. Call (727) 849-2002.
Free dental from chains for seniors with Medicare
Dental chains and private, for profit organizations often conduct events or have programs dedicated to providing free dental care to seniors, underserved communities, including Medicare beneficiaries and people as the disabled. While the specific chains and their services can vary by region and may change over time, several dental chains and groups have been recognized for such initiatives:
Many regional or national dental chains have some type of assistance program for senior citizens, the uninsured or patients in poverty. Or they offer what is sometimes called charity care. There may also be small, local dental chains or private dentists near you that offer free care as well to the elderly. But the resources vary by chain, practice, and dentist.
Aspen Dental: Aspen Dental's "Day of Service" is part of its Healthy Mouth Movement. On this day, Aspen Dental offices across the country provide free dental care to senior citizens, kids, patients on Medicare as well as veterans. They've served thousands of seniors on Medicare as well as veterans and provided millions of dollars in free dental care. Call (800) 277-3633 for details.
Bright Now! Dental: Occasionally, they have days dedicated to free services for low-income families and the unemployed. Occasionally, they have "Care Days" where they provide free services to seniors that have Medicare insurance. Phone 1-888-364-8522
Comfort Dental: This chain hosts an annual Care Day on Christmas Eve, where they offer free dental care to those in need, including seniors who live on a fixed income or that have Medicare. Call 855-526-6524.
Western Dental: In some locations, Western Dental has participated in community health events where they offer free screenings and basic dental care to the elderly, uninsured as well as low-income communities. Phone (800) 579-3783
Smile Brands Inc. and the Smiles for Everyone Foundation: They conduct Community Smile Projects throughout the year, which include free dental clinics to serve senior citizens in need. The main number is (855) 992-7223.
It's important to note that while these chains and organizations do provide free dental services to senior citizens and others, the frequency, type of service, and eligibility criteria can vary. It's always best to check directly with the local office or organization and find out the details of any upcoming events or services. Also look here for more details on low cost dentist near you with no insurance.
Conclusion
Once you've identified potential resources, whether a insurance plan, dentist or chain, that help seniors get the free dental care they need, reach out directly. The programs vary by state, local and other factors, such as income. Whether it's a local dental clinic, a national chain offering a free dental care day, or a non-profit organization for patients on Medicare, make the call or send the email.
Note many free dental service and assistance programs for seniors require an application process as well as proof of age, income and insurance. There are also resources, such as advocates or navigators, that will help seniors on Medicare get the free dental services they need.
Related Content From Needhelppayingbills.com
|
