People with disabilities may face additional challenges when trying to afford or access dental care. Transportation difficulties, limited income, medical conditions, and the need for accessible dental services can all make treatment harder to obtain.
Depending on your circumstances, assistance may be available through Medicaid, community health centers, disability-related programs, dental schools, nonprofit organizations, and local healthcare resources.
Medicaid can provide dental benefits for adults, but states decide whether and what adult dental services they cover. This means available dental assistance can differ significantly depending on where you live.
Who May Qualify
Eligibility depends on the program. People with disabilities may have additional options if they:
- Have limited income or resources
- Receive Medicaid or qualify for Medicaid based on disability
- Have Medicare and Medicaid
- Need medically necessary dental treatment
- Have a developmental or intellectual disability
- Have difficulty accessing traditional dental services
- Live in an area served by a community health center
- Meet the requirements of a local nonprofit or reduced-cost dental program
Some Medicaid home- and community-based services programs can also include dental services alongside other supports, depending on state rules and individual eligibility.
Check What You May Qualify For
OpenGrants Network can help you explore dental assistance programs that may fit your situation.
- ✓ Free eligibility check
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Programs vary based on disability status, income, location, insurance coverage, medical needs, and other requirements.
Types of Dental Assistance for Disabled People
Medicaid Dental Benefits
Medicaid may be one of the most important sources of dental coverage for adults with disabilities who qualify based on income, disability, or other eligibility factors. Adult dental benefits are optional under federal Medicaid rules, so each state determines what dental services it provides to adult Medicaid beneficiaries. Coverage may include some combination of preventive care, examinations, fillings, extractions, dentures, or other services, depending on the state program.
Medicaid and Medicare Together
Some people with disabilities qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid. Medicare generally does not cover routine dental services such as cleanings, fillings, extractions, dentures, and implants. Medicaid may provide additional coverage depending on the person's state and eligibility.
Community Health Centers
Community health centers can be an option for people who have difficulty paying for dental care. These centers may provide dental services and other healthcare based on income and circumstances. Ask whether the center provides accessible dental services and whether it accepts Medicaid or offers reduced fees.
Disability and Home-Based Services
Some Medicaid home- and community-based services programs can include dental services along with other supports. State-defined eligibility requirements and covered services vary. People who have difficulty traveling to appointments should also ask healthcare providers or their Medicaid plan about transportation and care-coordination resources.
Dental Schools and Reduced-Cost Clinics
Dental schools may provide treatment at reduced prices through supervised student clinics. Community clinics and nonprofit organizations may also offer reduced-cost dental services when funding and eligibility requirements allow.
Nursing Facility Dental Services
For people with disabilities who live in a Medicaid-certified nursing facility, federal Medicaid requirements include emergency dental services and routine dental services to the extent covered by the state's Medicaid plan.
How Dental Assistance Programs Typically Work
- Identify the dental care you need. This could be preventive care, fillings, extractions, dentures, emergency treatment, or another service.
- Check your insurance. Review Medicaid, Medicare, Medicare Advantage, or private dental coverage.
- Check disability-related eligibility. Some programs have additional requirements for people with disabilities.
- Find an accessible provider. Ask about wheelchair accessibility, communication accommodations, transportation, and other needs.
- Compare available options. Costs and covered services can vary considerably.
- Ask about payment assistance. A provider may offer reduced fees or payment arrangements.