Ensuring Access to Quality Dental Care for Seniors
As of October 15, the open enrollment for Medicare is in full swing across the country, bringing with it a multitude of challenges for seniors, especially those in New Jersey. With an overwhelming number of options available, countless elderly individuals must grapple with the complexities of selecting the right Medicare coverage. The decision often narrows down to whether to choose Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage plans. However, amidst these choices, dental care is frequently overlooked.
Contrary to common belief, Medicare does not cover standard preventive dental services, leaving many seniors unprotected in crucial aspects of their health. Currently, Medicare only provides benefits for surgical dental procedures conducted in hospital settings. This leaves the elderly faced with either budgeting for dental expenses out of their own pockets or seeking out Medicare supplements that might offer dental coverage. Unfortunately, it’s often the case that these supplemental plans are not tailored to their needs, as affordable options frequently come with limited networks and inexperienced dentists.
AV Dental Associates, a dental practice based in Jersey City, understands these challenges intimately. Dr. Arash Vahid, a representative of the clinic, emphasizes the importance of dental care for seniors: "We recognize that many older adults feel overwhelmed by their options. Our dental discount plans provide a solution by combining experienced dental care with affordable pricing. This ensures that they receive personalized and warm treatment, as well as the opportunity to maintain a healthy smile."
Oral health is an integral part of overall wellbeing, particularly for seniors. Statistics illustrating the state of dental care among older adults are alarming. Only
29% of them have dental coverage. Moreover,
1 in 5 adults aged 65 and older have lost all their natural teeth, with the prevalence of complete tooth loss doubling by the age of 75. There's a stark correlation between maintaining dental health and longevity, as seniors who retain
20 or more teeth at age 70 are far more likely to enjoy a longer life than those with fewer teeth. Furthermore, a staggering
70% of adults over 65 suffer from advanced periodontitis, which is not only the leading cause of tooth loss but is also closely linked to various severe health conditions, including heart disease and diabetes.
Despite the long-standing availability of dental discount plans for over 20 years, many patients remain unaware of this beneficial option. At AV Dental Associates, the savings plan offers:
- - Two dental exams and cleanings annually at a fixed monthly cost.
- - Immediate benefits upon enrollment, without any waiting periods.
- - A 20% discount on all periodontal, restorative, endodontic, oral surgery, and orthodontic treatments.
As seniors consider their options during the open enrollment, important deadlines must be noted. The current enrollment period began on
October 15 and will run through
December 7. This window allows seniors to reevaluate their current dental coverage and shift to plans that will more effectively meet their needs. For those eager to learn more about their options or to enroll in a better plan, AV Dental Associates encourages reaching out through their website or visiting their office for personalized assistance.
In conclusion, as New Jersey's senior community navigates the Medicare enrollment process, the critical role of dental health needs to be front and center. AV Dental Associates stands committed to ensuring that every senior can access high-quality dental care at an affordable price, thus fostering healthier and happier lives for the aging population.
For further information, seniors can contact AV Dental Associates at their office located at
642 Newark Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07306, or give them a call at
201-484-7759. Their dedicated team is ready to help navigate the complexities of dental coverage and ensure that everyone's smile stays bright and healthy.