Dental Care for Seniors Without Insurance
As you age, your body changes, and so do your dental needs. Seniors face unique challenges in maintaining oral health, and Medicare doesn’t provide comprehensive dental care coverage. Fortunately, options are available to ensure you can access dental care and maintain a healthy smile, even if you’re a senior without insurance.
Explore some practical tips and resources for seniors to care for their dental health without breaking the bank.
Common Senior Dental Issues
As a senior, you have a higher chance of having various dental issues. These issues can cause discomfort, pain, and even tooth loss. They include:
Dry Mouth
Dry mouth is a common dental issue that affects seniors. It happens when saliva production reduces, allowing acids and sugars to accumulate in the mouth and leading to cavities.
It can also cause a swollen tongue and cracked lips, affecting speaking and swallowing. Various medications, medical conditions, and aging itself can also lead to a dry mouth.
Tooth Decay
One of the most prevalent dental issues among seniors is tooth decay. About 20% of seniors in the United States have untreated tooth decay, which isn't surprising.
Some seniors have difficulty brushing and flossing their teeth. And this can be due to arthritis or other conditions that affect their manual dexterity.
Poor oral hygiene habits can lead to the buildup of tartar and plaque, which can eventually cause decay. Deep cleaning at a dentist’s can prevent tooth decay and costs less than most dental procedures, between $75 and $350.
Receding Gums
Receding gums is another dental issue that affects seniors. It occurs when the gums shrink away from the teeth, which exposes the roots and makes the teeth more sensitive to temperature changes.
Exposed roots are also more prone to decay as they lack the protective enamel layer. Gum recession can be due to genetics, harsh brushing, or teeth grinding. If left untreated, it can increase the risk of gum disease and tooth loss.
Affordable Senior Dental Services Without Insurance
There's no need to worry about high dental expenses as a senior without insurance. Here are a few options that you might find helpful.
Apply for Government-Funded Programs
As a senior without dental insurance, you may worry about the cost of dental care. However, there are government-funded programs available in your area that can provide free or low-cost dental services.
Here are some examples of the types of programs that are available:
Medicaid
Medicaid is a federal and state-funded program that provides healthcare coverage for low-income individuals and families. This program also provides coverage for seniors.
Many states offer dental coverage for adults as part of their Medicaid program. Although they mainly cover emergency dental care for adults, your state might include other services like checkups, cleanings, and fillings.
Medicare Advantage
Medicare Advantage is a type of health insurance plan offered by private companies that provide Medicare benefits.
Some Medicare Advantage plans may offer dental coverage. This can include preventive care, essential restorative services, and oral surgery.
Veterans Affairs
If you’re a veteran, you may be eligible for dental benefits through the Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare system.
The VA offers comprehensive dental services to eligible veterans. Example of the services you can get includes preventive care, restorative services, and prosthetics.
Community Health Centers
Community health centers are non-profit organizations that provide healthcare services to low-income and underserved populations.
Many community health centers offer dental services, including checkups, cleanings, and fillings. Often, this is at a reduced cost or on a sliding scale based on your income. All you need to do is find a community health center close to you.
State and Local Programs
Many states offer dental programs specifically for seniors and can include free or low-cost dental services. These programs may be unique to your state, and sometimes local health departments or non-profit organizations sponsor them.
Look for Charity Organizations
Charitable organizations can provide essential dental care services if you lack insurance coverage. These non-profit organizations offer a range of treatments, such as extractions, root canals, and dentures. Often, these services are at no cost or a reduced price.
By reaching out to these organizations, you can access affordable and quality dental care to maintain your oral health and smile.
Examples of Charitable Organizations
One example of a charitable organization that provides dental services is the Dental Lifeline Network. They offer comprehensive treatment to three categories of people, namely:
- Those with limited income
- Seniors
- People living with disabilities
The network operates in all 50 states and relies on donations and volunteer work to provide free or low-cost dental care.
Another option is the American Dental Association Foundation's Give Kids A Smile program. They provide dental care to underserved children and seniors. Since its inception in 2003, the program has served over 5 million children and seniors.
Additionally, the National Foundation of Dentistry for the Handicapped provides dental services to seniors with disabilities or other medical conditions. This foundation operates a nationwide network of volunteer dentists who offer comprehensive care, including fillings, extractions, and dentures, at no cost.
Get a Dental Discount Plan
Enrolling in a dental discount plan is an excellent option for seniors without dental insurance. These programs offer reduced fees for various dental services and procedures, making it affordable to maintain oral health.
Here are some dental discount plans commonly available in the United States.
Dental Discount Plan
Dental discount plans offer discounted rates on dental services for an annual or monthly fee. These programs usually offer savings on a range of dental treatments.
They include routine cleanings, fillings, and extractions. Some programs offer discounts on cosmetic dentistry procedures, such as teeth whitening, dentures, and veneers.
Senior Discount Plans
Many dental practices offer special senior discount plans, reducing dental care fees for seniors 65 and older. These plans often include a range of preventive and restorative treatments.
Group Discount Plans
Some dental practices offer group discount plans for seniors who are members of organizations like AARP. These plans offer reduced fees on a range of dental services, including the following:
- Routine Checkups
- Cleanings
- Fillings
In-House Dental Plans
Some dental practices offer in-house dental plans. This provides discounted rates on services for patients who don't have insurance. These plans are usually available annually and cover a range of dental treatments.
Enrolling in a dental savings plan is an excellent way for seniors to save money on dental care. With various plans available, you can choose one that fits your budget and meets your oral health needs.
Get Affordable Dental Care for Seniors Without Insurance
Carefree Dental offers an affordable solution for seniors who need dental care but have limited income or no insurance.
By getting the Carefree Dental card, you can save 15-50%* per visit, in most instances, on your dental bills at participating providers.
With over 262,000** available dental practice locations nationwide, owning a membership card means you can access discounts on your treatments wherever you are.
For $15.95/month for individuals and $19.95/month for families, Carefree Dental provides a cost-effective solution for seniors who need regular dental care.
Join Carefree Dental today and enjoy affordable dental care for seniors without insurance.
*Actual costs and savings vary by provider, service, and geographical area.
**As of April 2020
The Carefree Dental blog is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The text and pictures within the content are intended for information purposes only. Readers should consult with a licensed dentist or healthcare professional before seeking treatment.
The Carefree Dental Card is not insurance, and Carefree Dental is not an insurance provider.
