In the Tuesday editorial, “Surgical Cuts: Proposed budget targets most vulnerable,” you stated that Florida shouldn’t be paying for dentures, eyeglasses or hearing aids because “they don’t support life itself.”
AARP Florida and others recognize that these optional services indeed are crucial for Florida’s elderly to stay healthy and live independently. These services may be called “optional,” but cuts would cost more than they save.
For instance, many frail Medicaid patients who receive dental services may have increased difficulty eating if they’re not able to get dentures and other care through Medicaid. Without dental care, their health suffers in many ways, which leads to much higher costs for hospital, nursing home and assisted living care.
The American Dental Association says mid-range dentures cost between $500 and $1,000 per plate. By comparison, nursing home costs in Florida range from $65,000 to $70,000 per year, while hospitalization costs could be several times those figures.
Editor's note: This letter refers to this editorial.
