This week, Eileen developed a terrible pain in her mouth. Assuming an infected tooth, she tried to make an emergency appointment at a dentist and learned it would cost $800 for them to see her, plus whatever the treatment would be. She doesn’t have dental insurance and relies upon Medicare so she got antibiotics from her usual doctor. Unfortunately, the pain and swelling became so bad that she stayed home from Thanksgiving and has only been able to eat broth, oatmeal and hot tea.

Last night, while dropping off a Thanksgiving meal, I took one look at her and said “Can I take you to the ER?” She was pale, trembling and her face was swollen and stretched so much it was shiny.

A CT scan revealed a bad infection and they began her on a different IV antibiotic but the oral maxillofacial surgeon does not want to do a procedure (which would be covered by Eileen’s Medicaid and GAP insurance) and is referring her to a dental surgeon (which is not covered and would need to be paid out of pocket). She is currently in the hospital, getting out of danger with the infection to get well enough to seek treatment.

Eileen needs help. She’s on a limited income from Social Security. While it doesn’t make sense that Medicare considers teeth, ears and eyes to be optional body parts, here we are. Any support you can help will go a long way to getting Eileen healthy and smiling again.