Missing a tooth or teeth can lead to serious health problems for anyone. You’ve probably checked on dental implants and saw the costs, an average of $1,000 to $3,000 just for one tooth!
You also might have checked in on the cost of dentures, anywhere from $500 to $5,000 per set – double it if you need them for the top and bottom of your mouth.
That’s a heck of a lot of money for something that’s often not covered by insurance. Luckily, there are some options that can help people get free dentures.
PACE (Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly)
PACE is a Medicare/Medicaid program to help people meet their necessary health care needs – including their dental health. To qualify, you must be over the age of 55, qualify for home care nursing and a legal resident in the area where the service is being offered.
Medicaid
In some states, Medicaid may cover dentures if you have very low income. You should contact your local Medicaid office to see if the service is offered and if you qualify.
The Dental Lifeline Network
The Dental Lifeline Network is a non-profit that provides free dental treatments for the elderly or people with disabilities that can’t otherwise afford them. The program has a volunteer network of over 15,000 dentists and over 3,500 locations nationally.
Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) or Community Health Centers (CHCs)
These federally funded centers are located in regions considered medically underserved and sometimes offer dental related services.
The National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NAFCC)
Another great non-profit organization that seeks to make healthcare available to those who are medically underserved, believing healthcare is a right and not a privilege. Their services include dental care in some locations.
All of the options above can possibly help you get free or significantly discounted dentures. If you do not qualify, there are still options available to you. There are a growing number of dental discount plans available that are different from insurance in that they don’t have premiums, copays and waiting periods. Basically, they help you save right away for dental work you might need immediately.
