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If you're a senior in Nebraska, you're likely eligible for Medicare, but it may not cover all your dental needs. Medicare only covers dental care in certain situations, such as during a hospital stay or if you have a dental emergency.
Medicare supplements, also known as Medigap plans, can help fill some of the gaps in dental coverage, but not all of them. In Nebraska, some Medigap plans offer dental coverage, but it's essential to review the plans carefully to understand what's covered.
The Nebraska Department of Insurance offers resources to help seniors navigate dental insurance options. You can visit their website to compare plans and find information on dental insurance providers in the state.
Why It Matters
Living with tooth loss or oral health issues can be a real challenge, especially as we age. Gum disease affects 68% of Americans 65 and older, and dry mouth impacts 30% of this age group.
Having all or some permanent teeth missing is associated with an increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Many older adults may struggle to get proper care for their teeth due to the high costs and lack of Medicare coverage for routine dental visits.
Tooth loss can impair one's ability to eat and socialize, leading to poor nutrition and associated health problems. People using dentures tend to eat softer foods that are easy to chew and therefore consume fewer fruits and vegetables.
Here are some common causes of complete tooth loss:
- Tooth decay
- Gum disease
Annual dental expenditures in the U.S. are highest among adults age 65 and older, costing an average of $451 per patient. This highlights the importance of having dental insurance to take control of your costs and be prepared for unforeseen expenses.
Aging and Dental Care
As we age, our dental needs change, and it's essential to be aware of the challenges that come with growing older. Seniors face a greater risk of tooth rot or decay if gum tissue has receded.
Faster plaque build-up and maintaining daily dental hygiene habits can be difficult with mobility or vision challenges. A lack of adequate saliva flow makes a person more vulnerable to gum disease and tooth decay.
Having dental insurance can make a significant difference in maintaining a healthy smile. With dental insurance, you can get access to quality dentists in your area, including those in Nebraska, and take control of your costs.
Here are some common problems that dental insurance can help mitigate:
- Gum disease (68%) and dry mouth (30%) are widespread among Americans 65 and older.
- People over 65 are more susceptible to oral cancer.
Importance of Insurance in Retirement
As we age, our dental health becomes increasingly important for our overall well-being. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and good oral hygiene can have a tremendous impact on our life expectancy and quality of life.
Gum disease and dry mouth are common problems among Americans 65 and older, affecting 68% and 30% of seniors respectively. These issues can be mitigated with regular dental care and insurance coverage.
Having access to quality dentists in our area is crucial. More than 1 in every 4 seniors have not visited their dentist in the last five years, but insurance from Delta Dental makes it simple to choose a local dentist from the largest network nationwide.
There's a strong correlation between dental health and overall health. Studies show that maintaining good dental health can have a positive impact on our overall wellness.
Dental insurance typically covers services from routine cleanings and checkups to major procedures, allowing us to take control of our health and be prepared for unforeseen expenses.
Aging Challenges
As we age, our dental health can become more challenging. Seniors face a greater risk of tooth rot or decay if gum tissue has receded.
Faster plaque build-up is another common issue, making regular dental hygiene habits even more crucial. Maintaining daily dental hygiene habits can be tough, especially with mobility or vision challenges.
A lack of adequate saliva flow makes us more vulnerable to gum disease and tooth decay. This is why it's essential to inform your dentist about any prescription or non-prescription drugs you're using, so they can monitor your oral health.
Medicare and Dental Insurance
More than 65% of Medicare beneficiaries lack dental coverage, which can lead to significant financial burdens and health problems.
Original Medicare and Medigap do not cover routine dental care, leaving seniors to pay out-of-pocket for essential services.
Some Medicare Advantage policies include dental coverage, but it's essential to review your policy to see what's included.
Here's a breakdown of what's typically covered under Medicare Advantage:
- Dental emergencies are covered, but only if they require a hospital visit or stayover.
- Some dental plans are geared specifically towards people over 65, offering targeted coverage for seniors.
Who Is Affected?
As we explore the connection between Medicare and dental insurance, it's essential to understand who is affected by the lack of dental coverage. American Indian/Alaska Native and Black older adults are more likely to have full-mouth teeth extractions due to tooth decay or gum disease.
Older adults with less than a high school education are eight times more likely to have this issue than college graduates. In fact, the prevalence decreases with each increase in education level.
Those with lower incomes are also disproportionately affected, with a prevalence 5.5 times higher among those with an annual household income less than $25,000 compared to those with an income of $75,000 or more.
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Living in non-metropolitan areas also increases the risk, with a higher prevalence compared to those in metropolitan areas. Additionally, adults who have served in the U.S. armed forces are more likely to have this issue than those who have not served.
Older adults with chronic conditions are also more likely to have full-mouth teeth extractions due to tooth decay or gum disease. This highlights the importance of addressing dental health in conjunction with overall health.
Here's a breakdown of the groups most affected:
Most Medicare Beneficiaries Lack Coverage
65% of Medicare beneficiaries lack dental coverage. This is a significant issue, as original Medicare and Medigap do not cover routine dental care. Only certain Medicare Advantage policies include dental coverage.
As a result, many seniors on Medicare are left without access to necessary dental care. This can lead to problems like gum disease and dry mouth, which are widespread among Americans 65 and older. Gum disease affects 68% of seniors, while dry mouth affects 30%.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best dental insurance for seniors over 65?
For seniors over 65, Mutual of Omaha offers the best coverage without waiting periods, making it a top choice for those seeking immediate dental care.
How much is dental insurance per month in Nebraska?
In Nebraska, the average monthly cost of dental insurance is $29.12. This affordable rate helps Nebraskans access essential dental care and maintain good oral health.
Do most retirees get dental insurance?
Most retirees do not have dental insurance coverage through Medicare, which primarily focuses on medical health. However, some retirees may still be eligible for dental coverage through other means, such as private insurance or Medicaid.
Sources
- https://www.deltadental.com/us/en/product/senior-dental-insurance.html
- https://midwesthis.com/blog/best-dental-insurance-for-seniors-on-medicare/
- https://www.healthinsurance.org/dental/nebraska-dental-insurance-guide/
- https://www.americashealthrankings.org/explore/measures/teeth_extractions_sr/NE
- https://medicarewire.com/dental-insurance/plan/1004-001-NE/
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