Dental Help for Low-Income Seniors in Texas
Dental care can be costly, especially on a limited income. Seniors should visit a dentist on a regular basis to ensure healthy teeth and gums. Unfortunately, many cannot afford to pay for the visit. Medicare covers only limited restorative dental procedures. If you are a low-income senior in Texas, state and private help is available.
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Medicaid
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The Texas Medicaid program is offered to low-income seniors and other eligible individuals throughout the state. Medicaid provides health insurance to people in need. Through the STAR Medicaid Managed Care Program, you can receive added value services, including dental care. You are are currently enrolled in Medicare, you are not eligible for the STAR program. To qualify for Medicaid, your countable assets, such as bank accounts or cash, cannot exceed $2,000 for a single person or $3,000 for a couple. To apply for the Texas Medicaid program, dial 2-1-1 or visit the Texas Health and Human Services Commission website to complete the application online.
Community Clinics
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Community clinics, whether run by the county or private organizations, may provide free or discount dental care to seniors. Health departments often offer basic dental services to adults. Community Dental Care is an organization with centers throughout Texas. Treatment offered at each center ranges from preventative services such as cleanings and fluoride treatments to restorative procedures including fillings, extractions and oral surgery. Dentures and partials are also available at some locations. The Atascosa Health Center supplies Pleasanton families and seniors with dental care. Fees are on a sliding scale based on income. To find a local clinic, contact your nearest Community Action Agency.
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Dental Schools
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Seniors can contact a Texas dental school to receive reduced cost dental treatment. Care is administered by dental students supervised by a professional. The Baylor College of Dentistry
features college clinics that provide a full range of dental treatment to patients. Services offered correspond to the curriculum at that specific time. The University of Texas Health Science Center offers a range of dental services. All patients are admitted based on availability and treatment needs. Fees are approximately 60 percent less than a private practice. The University of Texas Health Science Center'sHouston branch provides specialized care, including endodontics, oral surgery, orthodontics, periodontics and prosthodontics. Fees are about one-third the cost of private dentists. For a list of accredited dental schools near you, visit the American Dental Association site.
Non-Profit Organizations
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Local non-profit organizations can provide financial assistance for medical needs. Agencies such as Catholic Charities provides help with food, housing, utilities, clothing and other basic necessities including medical or dental emergencies. If you are in need of dental help, you can consider asking a church for help. Even if the church does not have funding available, they may host a fundraiser or refer you to other agencies that may help. Texas Mission of Mercy is a mobile medical and dental clinic that travels the state to bring care to low-income Texans.
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References
- Texas Health and Human Services Commission: Texas Medicaid Managed Care FAQ Page
- Community Dental Care: Who We Are
- Atascosa Health Center: Services
- World Dental: Free and Affordable Dental Care Services at Dentistry Schools' Clinics
- KETK NBC: Texas Mission of Mercy Helping Low-Income Families With Dental Care; Michael Wesp; March 2010
- Mission of Mercy: Texas Program
