Dental care on a fixed income: Affordable options for seniors
Posted on October 3, 2024 in Healthy You
Taking care of your teeth and mouth is important at every age, but it can be difficult when living on a fixed income. Having good dental care is important for older adults, because the risk for certain oral health conditions, including dry mouth and cavities, increases with age. Fortunately, you have several options available to help you access affordable dental care when you’re on a tight budget.
Medicare may not provide the dental coverage you need
It's important seniors understand that traditional Medicare does not cover most dental care. However, some Medicare Advantage plans offer limited dental benefits. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, carefully review your coverage to understand what is included.
If your Medicare plan doesn’t offer the dental coverage you need, you have other ways to get quality oral health care that fits your budget.
Dental insurance: An affordable investment for retirees
For seniors on a fixed income, dental insurance can be a valuable investment.
Instead of thinking of dental insurance from the short-term premium costs, consider its long-term cost-saving potential. For example: some Delta Dental of Iowa plans 100% cover preventive services, so you have no out-of-pocket costs. This is important because these visits help catch dental problems in their earliest stages, which helps you avoid more costly and invasive treatments down the line.
Delta Dental has several plans, and you should consider things like coverage limits, deductibles and the number of network dentists (Delta Dental’s network is the largest in Iowa and the U.S.) when choosing a plan. Delta Dental of Iowa can help you select the best plan for your dental needs and budget, or you can easily shop around on our website and get a dental insurance quote online.
Other low-cost options to explore
If insurance isn't an option for you, here are other ways you can receive affordable dental care while on a fixed income:
- Dental schools: If you live near a dental school, they may have clinics that offer discounted services provided by students under dental professor supervision.
- Community health centers: Check out a local community health center to see if they offer dental services. These centers often provide services at a discounted rate if you qualify.
- Dental Lifeline Network: This organization provides free dental care to individuals with disabilities and seniors. Check out their website to learn more.
- Government resources: Some states and local agencies offer dental care programs for older adults. Contact your state department of health or aging to see what programs are available and if you’re eligible.
Not maintaining your oral health is costly
By understanding your options and taking steps to care for your oral health, you can enjoy a healthy smile throughout your golden years. Your oral health is closely tied to your overall health — this means that having poor oral health may lead to poor health in other areas of your body.
You deserve to enjoy your retirement to the fullest, and taking care of your long-term health is essential to achieving that goal. Keeping up with daily dental hygiene like brushing and flossing as well as seeing your dentist twice a year for a checkup are great ways to stay healthy. If you’re ready to explore dental insurance, Delta Dental of Iowa can help you find an individual dental insurance plan that meets your specific needs and your budget.
SOURCES:
American Dental Association
Medicare.gov
American Dental Association Mouth Healthy
Dental Lifeline Network
Great Senior Years
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services