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WESTFORD — The Select Board recently approved supplemental funding for a longtime Westford program — financial assistance for dental work for uninsured seniors.
Seniors, when enrolled in traditional Medicare, do not have access to dental insurance through their plan.
The program provides financial assistance for minor dental work for seniors over 55 years old. This year, the Westford Health Department and Friends of the Cameron Senior Center have raised $3,000 for this fiscal year.
In a unanimous vote, the board approved $20,000 in spending for the program, which is typically funded through donations. The program typically raises between $8,000 and $10,000 per year to reimburse seniors in need, according to Health Director Rae Dick.
“Dental health if not done well affects other health,” said Select Board member Scott Hazelton in a Sept. 13 meeting.
According to Dick, the average dental bill for seniors enrolled in the program varies between $300 and $600 for minor dental work, like fillings or cleanings.
“This year due to COVID and with people not being able to make it to the dentist, we have seen an increase in requests,” said Dick. “Our hope is that this funding will supplement that.”
Seniors looking to enroll must be below 200% of the federal poverty guideline, with an annual income of $36,620 for a household of two, according to Dick. Seniors should call the Cameron Senior Center at 978-692-5523 to apply.
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