{"id":6245,"date":"2024-10-16T01:19:07","date_gmt":"2024-10-16T01:19:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/finderica.com\/7-ways-to-score-free-dental-for-seniors-on-medicare\/"},"modified":"2024-10-16T01:19:07","modified_gmt":"2024-10-16T01:19:07","slug":"7-ways-to-score-free-dental-for-seniors-on-medicare","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/finderica.com\/?p=6245","title":{"rendered":"7 Ways to Score Free Dental for Seniors on Medicare"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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\"ScoreCard<\/p>\n

Affording dental work can be tough if you\u2019re an older American on Medicare.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s because Original Medicare \u2014 which covers a majority of beneficiaries \u2014 doesn\u2019t include routine dental care.<\/p>\n

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services did begin covering limited dental services this year but the scope is narrow. Dental work must be linked to a covered medical procedure, such as before an organ transplant, to qualify for coverage.<\/p>\n

For now, older adults are mostly on the hook when it comes to paying for their own oral health care.<\/p>\n

Here are seven ways to get free or reduced dental care. We\u2019ll also explain what limited dental benefits Medicare coverage provides, along with other options like private insurers and Medicaid.\n<\/p>\n

7 Places To Get Cheap or Free Dental Care for Seniors<\/h2>\n

Medicare beneficiaries who use dental services spent an average of $874 a year out-of-pocket, according to an analysis by KFF<\/a>.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s a lot of money, especially if you\u2019re on a fixed income.<\/p>\n

Here are a few tips and tricks to get free dental work and save big on oral health.<\/p>\n

1. The Dental Lifeline Network<\/h3>\n

This program by the American Dental Association offers free, comprehensive dental treatment to specific groups, including people ages 65 and older.<\/p>\n

You can use this tool<\/a> on the Dental Lifeline Network website to learn about the specific program details in your state.<\/p>\n

Heads up: Due to long wait lists, several states and counties are no longer accepting new applications for the Dental Lifeline Network program. When we did a quick search, Nevada and Wisconsin weren\u2019t accepting new applications.<\/p>\n

2. Community Health Clinics<\/h3>\n

Federally funded community health clinics provide reduced-cost or free dental care services to people with low incomes.<\/p>\n

Many operate on a sliding scale system while others offer flexible payment plans.<\/p>\n

Wait lists can be long, so it\u2019s important to reach out to your local clinic early.<\/p>\n

Follow this link to find the nearest community health clinic<\/a> near you.<\/p>\n

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3. Dental Schools<\/h3>\n

Some dental schools offer low-cost cleanings and other routine care to members of the community.<\/p>\n

Most of these teaching facilities have clinics that give dentists-in-training an opportunity to practice their skills while providing low-cost dental care to the public.<\/p>\n

You can search for dental schools and programs in your area by visiting the American Dental Association<\/a> website.<\/p>\n

There\u2019s no guarantee that a dental program in your area currently offers free or reduced dental care. You\u2019ll need to contact each program individually to see what\u2019s available.<\/p>\n

When you call, make sure to ask about any fees up front.<\/p>\n

4. NeedyMeds.com<\/h3>\n

This website offers a comprehensive list of dental offices with sliding scale payment options, community health center locations and dental school clinics.<\/p>\n

It does a great job breaking down requirements and eligibility (if any) for services in your area, and provides contact information for each service.<\/p>\n

Just enter your zip code into this search tool<\/a> to get started.<\/p>\n

5. Talk With Your Dentist<\/h3>\n

It might be difficult to ask for help, but being honest with your dentist about your financial situation can help.<\/p>\n

Your dentist may be able to offer a less expensive treatment, help you set up a payment plan or provide a sliding scale payment option.<\/p>\n

Ask if you can receive a discount for referring a friend. Or, see if it\u2019s possible to knock off a few bucks in exchange for a positive online review of the dentist office.<\/p>\n

6. Sign Up for a Dental Savings Plan<\/h3>\n

Dental savings plans aren\u2019t dental insurance, but they may still be able to save you money.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s how it works.<\/p>\n

With a dental savings plan, you pay an annual fee, then get a 10% to 60% discount on most dental services such as exams, cleanings, fillings, root canals and crowns.<\/p>\n

The plan contracts with dentists who agree to reduce their fees, then you pay the participating dentist directly using your discount.<\/p>\n

You\u2019ll still pay out of pocket for those services, but the idea is that you won\u2019t pay as much as you would without the plan.<\/p>\n

But let\u2019s be clear: Dental discount plans aren\u2019t free. The average cost for plans in Orlando, Florida, for example, ranged between $125 to $160 a year.<\/p>\n

You can visit DentalPlans<\/a> to find a plan in your area.<\/p>\n

7. Shop Around<\/h3>\n

Dentists can charge widely different prices for the same exact procedure.<\/p>\n

When it\u2019s coming out of your pocket, it pays to shop around.<\/p>\n

You can find average prices in your area by using FAIR Health<\/a>, a national nonprofit organization. The site lets you search by specific procedures, so you get the average cost for a root canal or teeth cleanings in your area.<\/p>\n

Armed with knowledge, call around to different dentist offices for quotes. Ask about senior discounts.<\/p>\n

You can also look for discounted dental care on sites like Groupon<\/a>.<\/p>\n

A quick search on Groupon for dental services in Houston, Texas, showed numerous X-ray, exam and cleaning packages for $40 to $80. One office even offered $500\u00a0 toward dental implants for just $50!<\/p>\n

If you reside in a high cost-of-living area, driving to a less expensive area is another smart way to find low-cost dental care.<\/p>\n

Does Medicare Cover Dental Care?<\/h2>\n

Yes and no.<\/p>\n

Original Medicare doesn\u2019t provide coverage for routine dental, vision or hearing benefits.<\/p>\n

Original Medicare will only cover dental work if it\u2019s deemed medically necessary, i.e. you were hospitalized after a traumatic injury that also affected your jaw, teeth or mouth.<\/p>\n

Starting Jan. 1, Medicare began covering the following dental procedures:<\/p>\n