It is estimated that the average person spends around $500 per year on dental care. For some people, this may be doable, but others may struggle to come up with the money. Plus, if there are major dental issues that need to be addressed the bill can quickly turn into thousands per year. Root canals, crowns, implants, and more are all expensive, which leaves many people in need of help paying the bill. The good news is that there is dental help for disabled adults.
Those who are disabled and have a low income may qualify for dental help assistance. There are organizations and programs that will help disabled people pay for their dental care. Considering that some dental bills can be so high, it’s acceptable for you to apply for dental help through several places. The goal is to ensure you get the help you need to cover the care, so don’t hesitate to apply for more than one assistance program.
To meet the qualifications to receive dental help for disabled adults you will usually need to show that you meet the low-income requirements. If you are on disability with the government that alone may be all you need to show in order to receive help paying for the dental care bills.
Programs Offering Dental Help for Disabled Adults
Medicaid – The Medicaid program is funded by the federal government and is available in every state in the country. The goal of the program is to provide those with a low income or who are disabled with the health care coverage that they need. Those who are approved for Medicaid will be able to obtain health care and get assistance paying for it. This includes dental care, as well as a variety of other health care areas, including emergency care. To qualify for Medicaid you have to show that you meet the low-income requirements. You can apply for the program online. Once you are approved you will receive information regarding how to use the program to get help paying for your dental care bills. To get more information or apply for Medicaid to get dental help for disabled adults, click here.
Free and Charitable Clinic – Around the country, there are many free clinics, where you can obtain dental help at no cost or at a greatly reduced cost. Some of these are referred to as a Jesus Clinic. Their mission is to provide those in need who have a low income with the dental help that they need. Use the National Association of Free & Charitable Clinic search tool to locate the closest free clinics to where you live. If you don’t see a clinic close to where you live, check back after a few months, because new clinics join throughout the year.
Local Health Departments – Most counties around the county have a local health department. They are funded by the state and federal government and their services are available to everyone in the community. Many of them offer access to affordable dental care, including for disabled adults. People typically apply for free dental care through them or they have you pay according to a sliding scale, which is based on your income. Use the map to locate your local health department and contact them to see if they offer dental help for disabled adults. If they don’t, they should be able to provide you with a local resource that will help. Millions of people receive dental care help each year through their local health department.
Dental Schools – There are dental schools around the country, where future dentists are learning and earning their degrees. They are often looking for people that their students can perform dental procedures on. This gives them a chance to practice what they are learning, and it provides free dental care to those who need it in the community. You are not left with just a student providing your care. There is a teacher or dentist on staff who is overseeing the work of the student or intern. Use the search tool to see if there are dental schools near you, and contact them to see if they offer dental help for disabled adults.
Those who need dental help for disabled adults should also contact churches and non-profit organizations in their community. Many of them will help cover the costs of necessary medical care procedures. They should also be able to put you on the path of finding dental help even if they are not the ones to help pay for it.