One big problem that many senior citizens have is finding affordable dental care. Medicare, the health plan for seniors and disabled Americans, does not have a lot of dental benefits. Since this is such an important issue to make sure our seniors are healthy and happy, we need to explore it.
It is very alarming to realize that traditional Medicare barely covers dental services at all. In the case of another illness or injury, some related dental care may be covered. But for the normal routine stuff that is so important, like filling cavities or cleaning teeth, there is no coverage.
This is a big probem. And it is not just a problem that Medicare beneficiaries, like the elderly or disabled people, have. It affects 100 million people in the USA.
Now there may be some Medicare Advantage plans with some dental benefits. There may also be some other supplemental insurance that these people could buy. But they cannot rely on the current system for any help here. Others may also have coverage from a retirement health plan from work or another resource.
One way to find some answers about your benefits is to visit Medicare.gov. This resource is great and has lots of answers. Other questions may be answered by your own individual supplemental carriers. At least you will know what you are entitled to, and what you lack. It is probably always better to know rather than guess.
Those who do not have any dental coverage do have some choices. There are plenty of private dental insurance companies, but that will mean paying a premium. There are also low cost dental discount plans that can help you contain costs. Finally, there are some private charities or community based foundations that may provide low cost clinics for elderly people. Dental insurance can be expensive, and may still leave you with lots of uncovered expenses. Dental discount plans are cheaper, but they are not insurance. A low cost dental clinic for elderly people may be a good choice if there is one in your neighborhood.
Read up on Medicare Dental Benefits. You can find out more about Medcare supplements or Medicare Advantage.