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Affording dental work can be tough if you’re an older American on Medicare.
That’s because Original Medicare — which covers a majority of beneficiaries — doesn’t include routine dental care.
Congress is considering whether to add dental coverage to Medicare as part of a $3.5 trillion social spending package — but progress has been slow.
For now, older adults are mostly on the hook when it comes to paying for their own oral health care.
Here are seven ways to get free or reduced dental care. We’ll also explain what limited dental benefits Medicare coverage provides, along with other options like private insurers and Medicaid.
7 Places to Get Cheap or Free Dental Care for Seniors
Medicare beneficiaries who use dental services spent an average of $874 a year out-of-pocket, according to an analysis by the Kaiser Family Foundation.
That’s a lot of money, especially if you’re on a fixed income.
Here are a few tips and tricks to save big on oral health.
1. The Dental Lifeline Network
This program by the American Dental Association offers free, comprehensive dental treatment to specific groups, including people ages 65 and older.
You can use this tool on the Dental Lifeline Network website to learn about the specific program details in your state.
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, states like Texas, California and Kentucky weren’t accepting new applications.
2. Community Health Clinics
Federally funded community health clinics provide reduced-cost or free dental care services to people with low incomes.
Many operate on a sliding scale system while others offer flexible payment plans.
Wait lists can be long, so it’s important to reach out to your local clinic early.
Follow this link to find the nearest community health clinic near you.
3. Dental Schools
Some dental schools offer low-cost…
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