NBC 25: Genesee Health Plan Launches New Dental Program

By Veronica Meadows, Friday, January 26, 2018:

FLINT, Mich.– A new program in Genesee County makes sure seniors and veterans in need have healthy teeth.

Genesee Health Plan recently started a free dental program.

This is for people at least 60 years old and veterans who right now don’t have coverage they need.

One of the participating dentists says having a healthy mouth is one of the first steps to a healthy life.

For more than 20 years Dr. Traci Dantzler has seen first-hand the connection between dental and overall health.

“We can connect dental disease with type two diabetes, pregnancy complications, cardiovascular disease, and even stroke so the health of our mouth is related to our overall health,” she said.

But right now not every senior or veteran in Genesee County has dental insurance.

“We noticed a gap in the community in insurance coverages seniors have as it relates to dental insurance,” said Corey Taylor from Genesee Health Plan.

So Genesee Health Plan set out to change that, launching a new program with Delta Dental. It gives coverage with several benefits, including cleanings and cancer screenings. All to give back to the community that’s given us so much.

“It breaks my heart to see people who are in desperate need of dental care and something’s they’re in greats pain and they don’t have anywhere to go,” Dr. Dantzler said.

Qualifying participants can choose their own provider through Delta Dental, giving them lots of options around Genesee County.

For more information or apply visit www.geneseehealthplan.org or call at 810-232-7740.