It’s a good idea to take care of your teeth at any age, and especially as you get older. Oral health is important not only for your teeth and gums, but for the rest of your body too. Your oral health can have an impact on your overall health. A thorough dental checkup can also... View Article
As we age, both dental care becomes more important, yet 70 percent of Medicare recipients have gone over a year without visiting a specialist. Both dental and vision benefits are available as part of Medicare Advantage, as standalone insurance, or through discount plans, with some even offered at a senior discount.
Need some oral work or an eye exam done and want help paying for it? Keep reading for specifics about your eligibility for coverage and various plan types from companies already serving members from coast to coast.
Older adults are seven times more likely to develop oral cancer, which could be prevented by maintaining regular dental care. The possibility for other problems, such as gum disease, a risk factor for heart disease, also increases nearly 50 percent for individuals over the age of 65. Even dry mouth, a seemingly benign condition, can lead to more cavities, infections, and sores.
Routine dental care has the power to detect and prevent most of these issues. Nevertheless, dental care is rarely cheap. Basic cleaning and exams cost $150-$350 on average, and more complex procedures like bridges and implants can easily make a single dental visit cost over $1,000.
Per the American Optometric A-sociation, adults over 61 years old should receive an eye exam once per year. That’s no surprise since approximately one in three individuals has some type of vision-reducing eye disease by age 65. Plus, many eye conditions, such as diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, and cataracts, are age-related and most treatable if dealt with early.