Open enrollment for Medicare started on October 15. Millions of seniors in Texas once again faced the challenge of finding the right Medicare coverage, including the decision between Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage plans. While the primary focus is on medical and prescription coverage, it is essential not to overlook the potential impact of dental coverage.
Midtown Dallas Dentistry
Many Medicare participants are unaware that the program does not cover routine preventive dental procedures, which are crucial for longevity and overall health. Currently, Medicare benefits only apply to surgical dental procedures performed in hospitals. Consequently, seniors must either pay for dental services entirely out-of-pocket or attempt to find a Medicare supplement that offers high-quality, affordable, and accessible dental care.
Regrettably, this is exceedingly challenging. Most Medicare dental supplements are low-cost and poorly designed. Moreover, these plans have very limited networks of inexperienced dentists.
“We see the challenges seniors face in this situation, which is one reason why we offer our dental membership plans,” commented Dr. Jay Patel, who practices at Midtown Family Dentistry of Dallas. “We simplify the search for experienced and knowledgeable dentists and provide the care seniors need at a reasonable rate. Our adult plan allows everyone to enjoy friendly, personalized care at a consistent, low monthly fee.”
Furthermore, the negative impact of poor dental care on the overall health of seniors can be significant. Various statistics tell the story:
- Only 29% of seniors have dental coverage.
- One in five adults aged 65 or older has no natural teeth remaining, and complete tooth loss becomes twice as prevalent by age 75.
- Individuals who still have 20 or more teeth at age 70 are significantly more likely to have a longer lifespan than those with fewer teeth.
- Seventy percent of adults over the age of 65 have advanced periodontitis, the leading cause of adult tooth loss.
- In Texas, nearly 4 million senior citizens struggle with periodontal disease—a disease that has been strongly linked to heart disease, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, and other serious conditions.
While dental membership plans have existed for more than 20 years, most patients are unaware of this option. At the same time, ease of use and enrollment are two of the most significant benefits. Other facts to know about the savings plan at Midtown Family Dentistry of Dallas include:
- Two dental examinations and cleanings per year are included at a fixed cost per month.
- Benefits are available upon enrollment without any waiting period.
- Fluoride varnish and X-rays are covered for the year.
- There are 20 percent discounts on other treatments, excluding Invisalign and braces.
As seniors consider these benefits, it is important to keep a couple of dates in mind. Open enrollment for Medicare started on October 15, 2023, and ends on December 7, 2023. This is the time to drop an existing dental supplement that is not working and enroll in a better form of coverage.
For more information, visit https://www.midtowndentistrydallas.com/ or https://www.midtowndentistrydallas.com/in-house-dental-plan.html.
