How To Get Lower-Cost Dental and Vision Care

When money’s tight, finding the extra cash for healthcare expenses can be challenging. That’s why AARP Foundation put together a list of where you may be able to find reduced-or no-cost services in your state.

Your Teeth

More often than not, having work done on your teeth means you owe money to the dentist. 

Whether you have dental insurance through your employer or are enrolled in Medicare, the coverage typically doesn’t pay for the total cost for crowns, bridges, and cavities, not to mention implants to replace lost teeth. And in many states, Medicaid only offers dental coverage to children, so there’s no coverage at all.

The good news is that there may be low-cost dental care available near you. Here’s where you may be able to find help spending less on caring for your teeth:

• Contact a Community Health Center. These federally funded centers — there are 1,400 of them around the country — offer free or reduced-cost health services, including dental care. Find one near you.

• Visit Veterans Affairs. If you’re a veteran, you may be eligible to have some or all of your dental care covered by Veterans Affairs. Find out more.

• Try a dental school. Did you know that many of these teaching facilities offer clinics that provide care for a reduced cost? Find schools near you.

• Ask local or state organizations. Your state’s health department — or even your dentist — may know of available free or reduced-cost programs in your area. Here are some other sites you can contact:
  • The Association of State and Territorial Dental Directors (ASTDD)
  • American Network of Oral Health Coalitions (ANOHC)
  • The United Way

Your Vision 

Almost everyone eventually gets cataracts — a cloudy area in the lens of your eye that makes it hard to see. Even with insurance through your employer, Medicare, or Medicaid, only a portion of the surgery to correct the issue is covered, meaning you will need to come up with the difference.

If you are struggling to pay for cataract surgery, need care for glaucoma, or need help paying for glasses and eye care, one of these organizations may be able to help.

Cataract surgery assistance

• Mission Cataract USA offers free cataract surgery to people who can’t afford it. Find a participating doctor.
• Operation Sight helps people with low income get cataract surgery. Learn more.

Glaucoma

• The American Glaucoma Society helps people with low income or no insurance get glaucoma surgery. Learn about its AGS Cares program.
• EyeCare America offers free comprehensive eye exams — and up to 1 year of care — to people 65+ and to people at higher risk of glaucoma. Learn if you qualify.

Eyeglasses and eye exams

• VSP Eyes of Hope provides no-cost eye care and eyeglasses for people with limited income who don’t have health insurance. Learn more.
• Lions Clubs International offers help paying for eye care through its local clubs. Some clubs may also provide eyeglasses. Find a local Lions Club.
• New Eyes provides prescription eyeglasses to people who can’t afford them. Learn more.

For even more resources that may be able to help, visit Prevent Blindness — they have a full list of organizations and services that provide financial help for vision care. Learn more.