Dental Care and Aging – Paying for It
According to an article in the New York Times, as of 2012 nearly 1/4th of Medicare beneficiaries had not seen a dentist in five years; the main reason for this being the cost of dental care. The problem is exacerbated by the fact that less than 10% of those over age 65 possess dental insurance as an ongoing benefit from their former employer as part of their retirement.
"Traditional Medicare, the federal health program for older adults and people with disabilities, doesn’t cover routine dental care or dentures. Some Medicare managed care plans offer coverage, but it is often limited to preventive care like cleanings. Medicaid, the federal-state program for low-income people, may cover some dental care for adults, but benefits vary by state. Individual plans are available, but they typically cap payments at low levels and may not cover any advanced treatments, like implants to replace lost teeth," the article explains.
This lack of care is becoming ever more problematic, as Baby Boomers reach retirement age and the US population grows steadily older, not to mention the fact that, as a population, we’re living longer.
Medicare does not pay for dental care
However, for older folks without dental coverage, there are some options. One of these is the website ToothWisdom.com, which offers information on discounted and/or free dental care, on a state by state basis.
The website is sponsored by Oral Health America, "a national nonprofit based in Chicago that is dedicated to changing lives by connecting communities with resources to increase access to care, education, and advocacy for all Americans, especially those most vulnerable. Through our programs, including the Wisdom Tooth Project®, OHA helps provide oral health care and education to people across the country who might not otherwise have access to it." more information can be found here: www.oralhealthamerica.org.
The doctors and staff at The Colorado Center for Implant and Prosthetic Dentistry are available to help you determine effective solutions to all of your dental problems. We are fully conscious of your budget and needs, and offer reasonable payment plans for virtually all types of ongoing dental treatments. If you would like more information from your Littleton area Prosthodontist, please call to make an appointment today.