Do you live in Texas? Are you wondering where you can find affordable dental treatments in the Lone Star state? Although Texans have a lot to be proud about, we still have a long way to go before we can say that all Texans, young and old, are connected with oral healthcare that they can truly afford. The Role of Medicaid Many people mistakenly believe that the Medicaid program provides a complete solution, but this could not be further from the truth. Medicaid is a partnership between the federal government and Texas. In fact, it does furnish comprehensive dental coverage to eligible children under 21, including cleanings, fluoride treatments, sealants, fillings, and most other medically necessary dental work. However, the same benefits do not extend to adults, for whom Medicaid in Texas provides no dental coverage. In addition, it is estimated that less than 25 percent of our nation’s dentist accept Medicaid patients, making this form of assistance difficult even for its members to access when it comes to dental visits. Can Medicare Help? Older Texans and those with disabilities are often eligible for a federal program called Medicare, which is designed to subsidize the high costs of healthcare. Although Medicare is indispensable in helping patients bear the burden of expenses incurred during hospitalization, rehabilitation, or long term care, it falls very short in other respects. By act of Congress, Medicare is prohibited from paying for routine dental care such as preventative measures and maintenance. Patients can only count on it if the dental treatment they need is a necessary part of a larger medical procedure. For instance, Medicare will fund a tooth extraction?but only if it is necessary before a kidney transplant or other surgery can be performed. Therefore, patients seeking affordable dental care options cannot look to Medicare for ongoing support. Innovative Dental Care Centers If the dental insurance you have is inadequate or if you don’t have any at all, don’t despair. New oral care options for low-income Texans are becoming a reality. San Antonio residents, for example, can now access low cost care at Texas Smiles Dental Center of San Antonio. Primarily focused on the oral care of low income children, this comprehensive office is committed to furnishing preventative, maintenance, and emergency care to low income and Medicaid eligible children in the area. Other Discount Options It is no secret that traditional dental insurance is not adequately meeting the needs of Texas residents. As a direct result, discount dental plans such as the Careington 500 Series have been gaining in popularity in recent years. For a low monthly fee of just $7. 95 per month, an individual can gain access to a network of dentists and oral care specialists who are ready and able to provide you with routine and emergency care right away?and at a significant discount. Unlike traditional insurance, you will never experience yearly maximum caps, high deductibles, or complicated claim forms. Instead, you will have access to all treatment costs up front, with no nasty surprises when the bill comes. Conclusion Texas is making strides toward optimizing the oral health of all residents. Traditional insurance, Medicare and Medicaid are not the solutions. However, innovative dental care centers, as well as discount dental plans, will bring us a great deal closer to our ultimate goal: affordable, comprehensive dental care for all Texans.