Dental Grants in Illinois
Last Updated on April 18, 2024 by Rachel
Illinois, known for its rich history, diverse culture, and unique landscapes, stands out as a choice for those in search of a lively retirement experience. In this post, we will examine various options for dental grants available in the Land of Lincoln.
The rising costs of living has led to the increase in costs of dental services. This burdens older adults with little to no income. The government with non-profit organizations and private sector have worked together to provide programs and resources to promote the access of oral healthcare to undeserving families, children, the elderly and people with disabilities.
Are Dental Grants Legit?
Dental grants are real and they are awarded to increase accessibility of dental care and fund dental clinics that provide free or reduced-cost services to disadvantaged Illinoisans.
The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS), Illinois State Dental Society Foundation, Delta Dental of Illinois and Donated Dental Services of Illinois (DDS) fund volunteer dentists and laboratories that are making access to dental care services easier for seniors.
How to Get Financial Help for Dental in Illinois
The DDS awards dental grants to programs that offer free or low-cost dental treatment to seniors, children, pregnant women and people with disabilities. The following individuals qualify for the grants:
- Seniors aged 65 years and above
- People who cannot afford dental treatments.
- Medically compromised individuals
- Individuals with lifelong disabilities.
If you meet the eligibility criteria, you can make your application through the Dental Lifeline Network by filling this form. Application has been made easier for older adults by providing step-by-step guidelines of how to fill these forms without any mistakes. You will be required to attach a dental report from your dentist, proof of income and proof of disability for people with disabilities.
Dental Grants
The DDS has almost 800 volunteer dentists and 180 laboratories whose mission is to help and support undeserving populations with high-quality and affordable oral health care. In addition, DDS has provided more than $2 million worth of treatment and assisted over 6,000 patients to get dental care services.
Cosmetic Dental Grants in Illinois
Cosmetic dental procedures are expensive especially for the elderly who have no income. There are grants that cover cosmetic dental procedures. If you qualify for the grants, you will get up to 30% off your dental costs.
Note that, dental grants for cosmetic procedures do not cover basic dentistry. It is important to speak to your dentist to confirm that your grant covers these treatments.
Dental Implant Grants in Illinois
Dental implants can be expensive for seniors. For this reason, there are grants awarded to cover dental implant costs. Organisations and foundations fund different programs that offer free or reduced-cost dental implants. Not everyone qualifies for dental implant grants, so make sure you speak to your volunteer dentists first before making an application.
Free Dental Implant Clinical Trials
Clinical trials are a good way to save money. They are carried out mainly for research, to ensure the safety of new drugs, treatment methods and equipment. Students are given the chance to perform on actual patients under the supervision of licensed dentists. For more information on clinical trials in Illinois visit the Clinicaltrials.gov website.
Are There Charities or Local Organizations that Help with Dental Costs?
SeniorDent: This is a local organisation that offers discounted dental services, provides a wide range of dental services to seniors and accepts a lot of insurance covers and payment methods.
DentaQuest: This is a dental care company that focuses on providing affordable preventive dental treatments to seniors to avoid their issues advancing to emergency cases.
Catholic Charities: The Catholic Charities offers financial assistance to seniors in need. This financial aid can be used to meet basic needs and cover dental expenses when necessary.
Mission of Mercy: Mission of Mercy charity organises a 2 day dental clinic run by volunteer dentists to offer free dental treatments to less privileged Illinoisans.
There are numerous other charities that provide assistance and support to seniors. It is important to research and identify organizations that align with your specific needs and circumstances.
Are There Free or Low-Cost Clinics in Illinois?
Yes, free or low-cost clinics are available in Illinois. These clinics offer free services to individuals and families who don’t qualify for Medicare and Medicaid. The dental clinics include:
- Low- or sliding-fee dental care clinics
- Free dental care clinics
- Affordable, low-cost dental care clinics
- Non-profit dental care clinics
Some free or reduced-cost clinics in Illinois are:
- Parkland College Dental Hygiene Clinic- Champaign
- Belmont Cragin Health Center- Chicago
- Cottage Grove Health Center Dental Clinic- Ford Heights
- Housing Authority of McHenry County- Harvard
Does Medicare Cover Dental implants Costs in Illinois?
Will Medicare pay for your dental implants? Medicare does not cover dental treatments. In cases of hospitalization for dental procedures, Plan A may cover admittance costs, while Plan B may cover prescription medication costs. In addition to Medicare, there are other prescription assistance programs available for seniors.
Although it costs more than the other plans and has a maximum dental amount benefit limit, the Medicare Advantage Plan is the best for dental coverage.
Are There Grants or Programs that Help with Teeth Cleaning and Fillings Costs?
Illinois State Dental Society Foundation (ISDS) Grant Program: The ISDS holds an annual program where they award grants to programs that improve access to dental care and oral health services. The grants cover both preventive and restorative treatments for seniors, children, pregnant women, and people with disabilities.
Dental Care Insurance Plans: There are specified dental care insurance plans designed for seniors that offer 10% to up to 60% cover for dental costs. Moreover, older adults get discounts from visiting dentists covered by the insurance plan. The services offered include x-rays, cleanings, fillings, root canals, crowns, etc. The plans cost as low as $100 per year and they offer dental benefits that other insurance covers do not.
Free Dental Clinics and Health Care Centers: Volunteer dentists are committed to offering both therapeutic and restorative treatments to undeserving seniors at sliding scale fees. Some of the clinics only need payment for x-rays, while cleansing, fillings, root canals and decay treatments are offered free of charge.
Do Seniors Get Any Other Form of Assistance in Illinois?
The elderly in Illinois may get the following benefits:
- Transportation
- Home repair grants
- Grants for veterans
- Help with Utility bills
- Health-related help like insurance coverage and medical grants
- Free food
Financial Assistance
Amren is a company that offers cash assistance of up to $600 to low income families whose poverty level is at or over 400% of the federal poverty regulation. You can determine your poverty level by utilizing the Federal Poverty Level Calculator.
Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSE) is a program administered by the Department of Aging that provides training to eligible seniors over the age of 55, equipping them with skills that will help them get unsubsidized jobs to foster independence and self-sufficiency.
The HCBS Waiver for Supportive Living Facilities is an establishment that gives monetary aid to seniors 65 and above in nursing facilities who are residents of Illinois, are American citizens, have proof of financial difficulty and are not benefiting from any other HCBS waiver programs.
Supplemental Security Income is a federal monthly cash aid disbursed to seniors aged 65 and above to help with their basic needs.
Elderly citizens of Illinois have programs set up to ensure they can access dental care treatments to promote their health by prioritizing their oral health. Seniors have a reason to smile without worrying about the financial burden of dental healthcare.