Dental Grants in Ohio
Last Updated on April 20, 2024 by Rachel
Ohio’s low cost of living and social events can attract a senior’s attention to the state. Statistics have shown that 25% of the population is seniors, and 12% of older adults above 65 live alone. Why does Ohio have a high population of senior citizens? Low-cost housing options and moderate taxes make Ohio affordable for seniors.
The rent and taxes may be friendly for seniors but are other resources available to meet the elderly needs that come with age. As we grow older, our oral health deteriorates, creating a need for routine checkups, examinations, and preventive and restorative to boost our dental health. These dental care services are expensive and unaffordable to retirees with no income.
What strategies have the local, federal, and state governments developed to ensure seniors’ oral healthcare is a priority?
Are Dental Grants Real in Ohio?
The percentage of older adults above 50 in Ohio is 2% higher than the national average. One in every five adults above 65 in Ohio has lost all their teeth, this number being twice as high in seniors above 75. In 2021, 6.7% of seniors aged 55 to 64 lacked public or private insurance coverage. In the same year, 2.1% of seniors above 65 avoided dental care due to costs, a decrease from 4.2% in the previous year.
The average number of dentists for the 100,000 population is 54.2, 6.4 providers lower than the national average per 100,000 citizens. This indicates a shortage of dental care providers in Ohio. The frequency of dental visits depended on a household’s income, race, and level of education. Individuals from racial minorities, less educated individuals, and those from low-income households, were less likely to visit a dentist compared to their counterparts.
From statistics, the barriers to access to oral healthcare are, cost, lack of proper knowledge on dental matters, and shortage of dental care providers. Dental grants fund programs that raise awareness of dental-related problems through mass education, promote workforce development, and increase the accessibility of dental care to those who can’t afford it.
How to Find Help for Dental Care in Ohio
The Delta Dental of Ohio does not offer grants to individuals but to organizations whose programs promote accountability, community engagement, and promising outcomes that will impact the accessibility of oral healthcare.
Dental Lifeline Networks’ Donated Dental Services is a program that assists individuals with disabilities, patients that require medically necessary dental care services, and seniors over 65. The program does this by offering comprehensive treatment to those who cannot afford it. You can find out more on Dental Lifeline Network and whether you qualify for its programs here.
Ohio offers the following dental grants to help seniors with their dental costs:
- Dental Grants: their role is to increase the accessibility to dental care services for undeserving populations.
- Cosmetic Dental Grants: CDGs are awarded to cover elective cosmetic procedures. You will require a dental assessment from your local dentist to ascertain that your mouth is healthy enough to handle the cosmetic procedure. The program dentist will determine whether you qualify for discounted or free treatment.
- Dental Implant Grants: Not all grants cover dental implants. You need confirmation from your dentist on the same before you commence treatment.
- Free Dental Implant Clinical Trials: These are studies carried out on patients with specific dental conditions to research newer, safer, and more efficient drugs, practices, and equipment for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of dental problems. Free dental implants may be benefits given for participation in the clinical trial.
- Dental School Clinics: Seniors on a budget who don’t mind having students provide them with dental services can take advantage of the reduced prices at dental school clinics. Procedures are performed under the strict supervision of licensed dentists for safety.
Are There Charities that Help with Dental Costs?
Council of Aging of Southwestern Ohio: This organization’s program, MyCare Ohio, provides care to Medicare and Medicaid-eligible seniors so they can live in their own homes. The program offers Medicare and Medicaid benefits, including dental care.
Are There Free or Low-cost Dental Clinics in Ohio?
Not all dental clinics offer free services, so you should visit the clinic’s website or call them to confirm this.
- Columbus City Dental Clinic- Columbus
- Ohio State Dental Clinic- Columbus
- Summit County Public Health Dental- Akron
- Halim Clinic- Holland
- Circle Health Services- Cleveland
Does Medicare Cover Dental Implants in Ohio?
No, Medicare does not cover dental costs. Original Medicare Part A is hospital insurance for admission costs, lab work, and hospice services, while Part B is medical insurance that settles preventive care, cancer screenings, and home healthcare services.
If you’re looking for a Medicare Plan to cover dental costs, Medicare Advantage plans (MA) Part C is the best option. MA plans include the benefits of both Part A and B and vision and dental coverage. Medicare Part C uses the co-sharing approach, requires extra payment for coinsurance, and has a maximum dental benefit amount.
Are There Grants for Helping with Fillings, Cleanings, Decay and Root Canal Costs?
Medicaid: Through Medicaid’s Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), seniors can have preventive and restorative dental care expenses taken care of. The patient’s eligibility depends on their household income, asset value, and the level of care they require.
The Aged, Blind, or Disabled (ABD) Medicaid is a medical coverage for seniors and disabled individuals. Older adults who get injured and disabled while working can apply for Medicaid Buy-in for Workers With Disabilities (MBIWD) to get financial help. Seniors above 64 can apply here.
Financial Assistance
Ohio Senior Community Service Employment Program offers training to seniors above 55 interested in working. The older adults are trained for free and referred to non-governmental jobs where they can earn and depend on themselves.
The Golden Buckeye Card Program is a senior program that offers financial assistance to seniors above 65 with businesses going through economic challenges. The eligible seniors receive 20% to 50% discounts on goods and services needed for their business. Also, they sell products at a discount to seniors.
Many resources have been put in place to help alleviate the struggles that come with aging. Ohio has taken care of its seniors by ensuring their oral health is taken care of. Other interventions are still required to make sure the smiles on the elderly faces are maintained.