You're retired—congratulations! There's just one thing: Medicare, which you're eligible for at age 65, doesn't cover routine dental work. "I think that's shocking for many seniors," says Shelley Lyford, CEO of the West Health Institute in San Diego.
Even if you qualify for Medicaid—and many people don't—only four states offer a comprehensive dental benefit, says Beth Truett, president and CEO of Oral Health America, a nonprofit dedicated to dental health. "Medicaid is not a robust solution if you don't happen to live in Minnesota, North Dakota, Connecticut, or Wisconsin."
The lack of coverage leads to a situation in which about 1 in 5 adults age 65 and older have untreated tooth decay, and 40% of seniors didn't visit a dentist at all in 2014, according to an analysis by the Pew Charitable Trusts. "Only 9.8% of the entire population has a dental benefit when they retire," Truett says. "This is a big change from pre-recession, where it was very common for big companies to provide a benefit."
If you're wondering how to manage your post-retirement dental costs, here are a few strategies. (Heal your whole body with Rodale's 12-day liver detox for total body health.)
Consider purchasing private dental insurance.
Of course, the premiums will likely be higher than when you had an employer chipping in, but it may be worth it. "Even if the coverage is only $1,500, it represents $1,500 of negotiated services, which means your $1,500 will go further than if you were paying out-of-pocket," because an in-network dentist will charge a discounted rate for services based on his arrangement with the insurance company, says Truett.
Look for local resources.
Seek out a dental school.
Dental schools are a great place to go get an exam and get your teeth cleaned for less money, but there's a downside. "The waiting list is often long," Truett says. "You may have to wait 3 months to get an appointment." You can find a dental school near you at toothwisdom.org.
Check with community health centers or senior centers.
Community health centers may offer a dental clinic, which often uses a sliding scale for fees depending on income. For instance, the Community Health Centers of Burlington, VT, offer this kind of arrangement. Local dentists also sometimes visit senior centers and offer their services for free or discounted prices. "In Chicago there's a wonderful dentist who has a van, and he takes the van to senior centers," Truett says.
Keep yourself healthy.
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