Costly Errors to Sidestep
Navigating senior healthcare requires avoiding pitfalls that waste money or leave dental issues untreated. Watch out for these four common mistakes.
- Relying on traditional Medicare for emergency extractions: Medicare Parts A and B will not pay for routine or emergency tooth extractions unless part of a broader hospital inpatient procedure.
- Ignoring local waiting lists: Non-profit programs often fill their calendars months in advance. Put your name on waiting lists immediately rather than delaying until severe pain strikes.
- Purchasing high-premium private plans with severe caps: Many standalone senior dental policies cap annual benefits at $1,000 while charging $50 a month. A single crown can exhaust your entire yearly benefit.
- Overlooking state Medicaid benefits: Medicaid adult dental rules vary by state, but many states expanded coverage recently. Check your state agency to see if your benefits cover full dentures.
I live on Social Security and can’t afford to pay for dentures. I’m diabetic and need to eat the right foods like vegetables and protein. I can’t eat anything that is not soft, so eating a proper diabetic meal is very difficult
My false teeth have broke twice and my back teeth are worn down completely. I can’t afford $5000.00 for a set of teeth. My insurance will pay only a $1000.00. I’m going to be 77 years old .
Losing teeth because of medication over the years may need dentures in the near future
I have severe bone loss of my teeth and am on a fixed income. I can’t afford dental care. I am a veteran and am 74 yrs old.