topic Re: Dentures and eye glasses for the elderly that can't afford it? in Community Chat

Dentures and eye glasses for the elderly that can't afford it?

mima — Tue, 17 May 2016 12:16:36 GMT

I know an elderly man on SS and he barely gets by. His dentures need replaced really bad and his vision has changed and he can no longer see well with his current glasses.

He is a tenant of mine. He said he can't afford dentures or glasses and I told him surely there is help out there. He does get a small amount of food stamps and gets LEAP (help with his utility bills) so he can prove he can't afford those two things.

I googled, but could only find help for people under 19 or children. Anyone have any ideas?

I will pass on the information.

Thanks!

Re: Dentures and eye glasses for the elderly that can't afford it?

violann — Tue, 17 May 2016 12:23:35 GMT

If he's anywhere near a medical school, many have clinics that are available for people with limited finances.

If he's a veteran, there are services for which he may qualify.

If there is a local Office of the Aging, they may be able to make recommendations.

Most communities have social service departments that may be able to refer him.

Part of the problem is often that there ARE sources for help, but that identifying them and locating them is often quite obscure/difficult.

Re: Dentures and eye glasses for the elderly that can't afford it?

willdob3 — Tue, 17 May 2016 12:29:05 GMT

Call United Way. They would be able to give you a list of places in your community that may be able to help.

If he has Medicare/Medicaid, they may be able to help some. Not sure how much they help with those things these days. There may also be other organizations to help the elderly in your area & UW will give you info on them.

Re: Dentures and eye glasses for the elderly that can't afford it?

mima — Tue, 17 May 2016 12:33:28 GMT

@violann wrote:
If he's anywhere near a medical school, many have clinics that are available for people with limited finances.
If he's a veteran, there are services for which he may qualify.
If there is a local Office of the Aging, they may be able to make recommendations.
Most communities have social service departments that may be able to refer him.

Part of the problem is often that there ARE sources for help, but that identifying them and locating them is often quite obscure/difficult.

I agree with you that I thought surely there WERE sources for help, but didn't know where to look.

No medical school anywhere close since we live in a little town (less that 4,000 people).

He is not a veteran. We do have an Office of Aging. I will have him call them. I didn't even think about that. Thank you!

Re: Dentures and eye glasses for the elderly that can't afford it?

mima — Tue, 17 May 2016 12:33:00 GMT

@willdob3 wrote:
Call United Way. They would be able to give you a list of places in your community that may be able to help.

If he has Medicare/Medicaid, they may be able to help some. Not sure how much they help with those things these days. There may also be other organizations to help the elderly in your area & UW will give you info on them.

Thank you. I have heard of United Way, but didn't exactly know what they did. I will tell him. Thanks!

Re: Dentures and eye glasses for the elderly that can't afford it?

MaggieMack — Tue, 17 May 2016 12:39:58 GMT

Do you have a local Lions Club? They might be able to help him with eyeglasses.

We have a service in our small city called the Volunteer and Information Hotline, and by dialing 211 you can receive referrals for a multitude of social service issues. Maybe a city near you has something similar.

Re: Dentures and eye glasses for the elderly that can't afford it?

Say Nay — Tue, 17 May 2016 12:40:55 GMT

Try New Eyes for the Needy.

http://www.new-eyes.org/us-voucher-program/

Only his social service agency can apply on his behalf which shouldn't be a problem if he receives SS.

I'm not sure what state. This website may help

http://www.toothwisdom.org/

Re: Dentures and eye glasses for the elderly that can't afford it?

Desertdi — Tue, 17 May 2016 12:51:37 GMT

Doesn't he qualify for a SS Supplemental Advantage Plan? I don't think there is a premium for those on Medicaid and SS.

Re: Dentures and eye glasses for the elderly that can't afford it?

mima — Tue, 17 May 2016 12:52:28 GMT

@Say Nay @MaggieMack Thank you both! I would have never thought of those sources either.

Great info. here!!!

Re: Dentures and eye glasses for the elderly that can't afford it?

mima — Tue, 17 May 2016 12:59:55 GMT

@Desertdi wrote:
Doesn't he qualify for a SS Supplemental Advantage Plan? I don't think there is a premium for those on Medicaid and SS.

I've never heard of it. I'll google it now. Thank you!

Edited to say: It looks like an insurance plan. He said he only has Plan A and Plan B whatever that means. I think that is above my head. I can have him call that Aging Office and ask about that. I think they would know about that.

Thanks!

Re: Dentures and eye glasses for the elderly that can't afford it?

Stray — Tue, 17 May 2016 13:01:13 GMT

@mima wrote:
@violann wrote:
If he's anywhere near a medical school, many have clinics that are available for people with limited finances.
If he's a veteran, there are services for which he may qualify.
If there is a local Office of the Aging, they may be able to make recommendations.
Most communities have social service departments that may be able to refer him.

Part of the problem is often that there ARE sources for help, but that identifying them and locating them is often quite obscure/difficult.

I agree with you that I thought surely there WERE sources for help, but didn't know where to look.

No medical school anywhere close since we live in a little town (less that 4,000 people).

He is not a veteran. We do have an Office of Aging. I will have him call them. I didn't even think about that. Thank you!

@mima- try Eyes for The Needy or the Lighthouse, tho it's organization is for the blind the NYC branch helped me once for a client or they can refer you elsewhere. It depends on your location and how active the branch of the Lighthouse is in your city. This was NYC. But, EFTN, collects glasses for this purpose. Dental, The Department of Aging and Senior Services in your town, should have some information to help him.

Re: Dentures and eye glasses for the elderly that can't afford it?

Mominohio — Tue, 17 May 2016 13:14:30 GMT

This situation brings up an idea.

Not saying OP needs to do this, or that the person in this case would accept, but how about when we see this kind of situation arise, instead of giving to the (fill in the blank) regular charities and organizations we all tend to give to on a regular basis, we simply take the opportunity to help the individual in need?

No forms to fill out, no wondering how much of our donation actually serves those in need. Just actual help given by someone who cares to someone who needs.

I get that OP may not be able to afford it, the recipient may be too proud to accept, we don't want to offend or make them uncomfortable or any other number of things that come with something like this.

But in reading the OP, it made me think that often people say they wish they could help on the individual level, where they know it will make a real difference, do for people in their own town that are in need, rather than a faceless charity that goes farther beyond local needs. Well here it is!

This is exactly the kind of thing so many people would love to be a part of. So with that in mind, perhaps local churches or some social group in the area (heck, even a book club or scout troop looking for a community service type project) would love to help out with raising the funds to get this accomplished.

Re: Dentures and eye glasses for the elderly that can't afford it?

Stila — Tue, 17 May 2016 13:15:10 GMT

This breaks my heart. I have insurance and after one visit,I am maxed out. I have been a health care worker,most my life. My sister is in the same position as your friend. Why,is there no help for Seniors,or for anyone in this situation? I spend hours online trying to find help for people in need. Some states have free dental clinics,for fillings and extractions,but no dentures. Really sad. I am now facing the dental nightmare myself. This problem affects so many people. This needs addressed! It affects,nutrition and many health problems. The need for glasses,may prevent falls and give joy to one's own being. I do know,many states have a voucher choice program,that greatly reduced the cost one pays for rent. If this would help,maybe the cost difference would help. God bless your friend and all those who need care. I will keep fighting and looking to help those in need. Many people have worked and even those who couldn't, should not have to struggle in there lives .

Re: Dentures and eye glasses for the elderly that can't afford it?

Perkup — Tue, 17 May 2016 13:48:33 GMT

I sincerely hope that you have found an answer by now, but I do have one other suggestion. If all else fails, try contacting your local State Representative or Senator. I have seen them be of help in our state when all the other sources have been exhausted. You might also contact the state office of the Eye Associates or Dental group. Sometimes they have members who will help with a needy situation.

Re: Dentures and eye glasses for the elderly that can't afford it?

IamMrsG — Tue, 17 May 2016 14:15:23 GMT

This thread should be held as example to everyone as to what Internet forums could be if they were only used with a little courtesy and compassion. I am impressed by those who cared enough for this gentleman to extend help for him. Imagine the power that could be used for good!

@mima God bless you for going the extra mile to help this gentleman. Please come back and let us know how this situation evolves.

Re: Dentures and eye glasses for the elderly that can't afford it?

151949 — Tue, 17 May 2016 14:30:05 GMT

Most advantage plans pay for eye exams but not glasses and for yearly dental exams but not if work needs done, however, MY Medicare and you book says medicare will pay 100% for dentures so he could look into that.

Re: Dentures and eye glasses for the elderly that can't afford it?

Moonchilde — Tue, 17 May 2016 14:37:24 GMT

No, Medicare does not pay for dentures.

https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/dental-services.html

Re: Dentures and eye glasses for the elderly that can't afford it?

LTT1 — Tue, 17 May 2016 14:40:03 GMT

@MaggieMack@mima@151949@IamMrsG@Perkup

Thank you for the reminders, @MaggieMack!

Also, the Optimists' Club (as well as the Lion's Club) provide used glasses and the donated glasses can be found at some doctors'/Opthalmologists' offices.

Re: Dentures and eye glasses for the elderly that can't afford it?

Mj12 — Tue, 17 May 2016 14:41:15 GMT

@Moonchilde wrote:
No, Medicare does not pay for dentures.

https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/dental-services.html

@Moonchilde correct. From that site:

Medicare doesn't cover most dental care, dental procedures, or supplies, like cleanings, fillings, tooth extractions, dentures, dental plates, or other dental devices.

My MIL (on Medicare) needed dentures; thankfully my SIL is a dentist; she did all the work.

Re: Dentures and eye glasses for the elderly that can't afford it?

Moonchilde — Tue, 17 May 2016 14:45:30 GMT

@Mj12 wrote:
@Moonchilde wrote:
No, Medicare does not pay for dentures.

https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/dental-services.html
@Moonchilde correct. From that site:
Medicare doesn't cover most dental care, dental procedures, or supplies, like cleanings, fillings, tooth extractions, dentures, dental plates, or other dental devices.

My MIL (on Medicare) needed dentures; thankfully my SIL is a dentist; she did all the work.

I'm looking at this situation myself in the next year. I'm lucky enough to be able to pay for HMO dental insurance currently and also have some $$ stashed for dental/eyeglasses (knew this would come up) but I hope it lasts me until I croak ;-(