Osceola Commissioners support new senior Dental Program

Osceola County, FL – The Osceola County Commission is partnering with Osceola Community Health Services to launch a mobile unit for a dental and denture program that will provide access to care for underserved populations, especially those 65 years and older.

The County’s total contribution is $500,000 in ARPA funds, officials announced today. A combination of $200,000 of the County’s ARPA funds together with another $100,000 from District 2 County Commissioner and Chairwoman Viviana Janer’s federal targeted recovery effort funds will support acquisition and configuration of the unit. In addition, Janer will contribute $200,000 from her federal targeted recovery effort funds to be used for vouchers for direct financial assistance for District 2 residents who need help with any co-pays, or unmet costs because of a lack of insurance.

The program is available countywide, with available payment plan options based on income and insurance status. For the uninsured, the cost will be based on their level of income. There may be out of pocket costs for the insured based on what their insurance company will reimburse.

“Using my federal dollars for this purpose, will help many in our community. Although some insurances such as Medicare and Medicaid pay for dentures in certain situations, there are often out-of-pocket expenses, which can be a barrier to receiving denture care because many elderly patients cannot afford this cost,” Janer said. “I know there’s a need for this type of program and Osceola Community Health is the ideal partner to improve access to dental care that is a challenge for Osceola County residents –especially those seniors who are uninsured or under insured.”

The unit supports the “Healthy Seniors Program” that includes assistance for eyeglasses/exams and Zumba exercise, and which was founded by Janer. The new program could serve about 300 people a year with low-cost quality dentures once operational later this year ensuring access to dental and denture services for those who experience barriers to quality dental care due to transportation access and cost.

Patients will be assessed for other dental needs and will receive additional care on the mobile unit.

“We are excited to be partnering with the Osceola County Commission on this project, which will allow us to provide much needed dental and denture care to one of our more vulnerable populations,” said Belinda Johnson-Cornett, President and CEO of Osceola Community Health Services.

Program information

- Initial dental denture visits will be scheduled in one-hour sessions. Each follow up appointment will be scheduled for 30 minutes. The process from start to finish will take between 6 to 8 weeks.

- Staff will include: a dentist, a dental assistant, and eligibility staff, who will assess the patient to determine if they are eligible for insurance or other programs that may assist them financially.

- Details on registration and schedule will be forthcoming closer to the start of the program.