Finding dental care for low-income children is especially important.
Private dental care can be very expensive. For low-income families, even routine checkups can be a major financial burden and, for many, necessary dental work is simply unaffordable. However, there are ways for low-income families to get the dental care they need, whether it's routine care for children or adults, or emergency procedures through a variety of state, federal and privately-funded resources and clinics.
HRSA
The Health Resources and Services Administration, run by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Resources, can help you find a federally-funded dental clinic that can perform regular checkups and cleanings, as well as emergency dental work. Federally-funded dental clinics ask that you pay what you can afford based on income, but some people may receive services for free. Search the "Find a Health Center" database on the HRSA website to locate a dental health center near you.
Charitable and Volunteer Clinics
Many public and private dental clinics offer charitable services performed by volunteer dentists for low-income families and individuals, from regular checkups and treatment for routine dental problems, like cavities, to more serious issues. You can find a charitable or volunteer clinic by accessing your state's dental association through the American Dental Association website.
CHIP
The Children's Health Insurance Program provides extensive health insurance coverage for children under the age of 19. Dental coverage as part of the CHIP plan varies from state to state, but plans must include "dental services necessary to prevent disease and promote oral health, restore oral structures to health and function, and treat emergency conditions" according to Medicaid.gov. Visit the CHIP Eligibility Standards page on Medicaid.gov to see if your child is eligible for inclusion in the program.
Medicaid
Medicaid is a state-funded program that provides basic medical benefits to low-income families and individuals, along with dental care. However, what, if any, dental services provided is determined by the state under Medicaid. Most states provide emergency dental care for residents under Medicaid, but less than half of all states provide comprehensive dental care for adults, according to Medicaid.gov. Check with your state's Medicaid program to find out which dental services are provided.
Medicare
Medicare is a health program intended for people 65 years of age or older without private insurance. While regular dental checkups and cleanings aren't covered, Medicare will pay for dental procedures that are part of a covered procedure, like reconstruction of the jaw after an injury. Talk to your dentist to see if a necessary procedure may be covered under Medicare.
Tags: dental care, low-income families, dental services, according Medicaid, checkups cleanings, dental care, dental clinics
