No one should have to forgo dental care because they can’t afford it. Low-income older adults should be able to see a dentist when they need one.
Yet, Medicare, the primary health coverage for older adults does not include oral health care and under Medicaid, states have the option, but are not required to cover dental care for adults. As a result, many older adults with low-incomes don’t go to the dentist because they can’t afford to buy an additional insurance plan or pay out-of-pocket. Untreated dental decay and tooth loss in older adults can lead to pain, difficulty eating, and can worsen chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, Alzheimer’s, and dementia.
Justice in Aging advocates for policy changes to expand oral health coverage through Medicare and Medicaid, ensuring low-income older adults get the care they need to stay healthy.
