DECATUR, AL -
WHNT News 19 is Taking Action for a Decatur woman. She has a toothache so bad that it's caused life-threatening swelling. Her physician has told her the problem could be fatal. The problem, she doesn't have the money to get help.
Jennifer Bell called WHNT NEWS 19 to ask us to Take Action for her. We're highlighting the problem to try to get her some help.
Bell has been dealing with a major toothache for the past two months. She's tried doctor after doctor to deal with the situation, unfortunately, she says she can't afford the co-pay at the door.
"It's from here to it's moving on up to right in here, up to my temple," said Bell.
Bell showed us where the swelling in her neck is moving up to her head. Her medical physician says it's from the infected tooth, or teeth in her mouth.
Right now, she can't afford to see a dentist to find out what's going on in her mouth.
"I don't have that kind of money," said Bell.
Jennifer has Medicare and Medicaid, and lives on a fixed income. However, neither program covers dental work for adults.
"I've been in and they want the co-payment and it's too high," said Bell. "And I can't afford to pay for that."
Bell says after trying about nine different dentists, she just can't afford the money up front.
One place quoted her $165 for the initial visit, just so they can see what the problem is. That may not include the dental work.
"I'm on a fixed income. And then I have all the bills I have to pay. And that little bit of money that they give is not enough to pay for dental service. And Medicaid won't pay for it either. Medicaid or Medicare," said Bell.
Bell is up against the gun.
"He [physician] told me that it could kill me, if I don't get something done about it," said Bell.
Bell feels like she's in a catch-22. She's tried the Community Free Clinic in Decatur. However, they won't accept patients who have Medicaid or Medicare. WHNT NEWS 19 called the clinic and they confirmed that to us.
"I don't feel like I have anywhere to turn to or nothing, and I don't know where to go to. I've already tried so many doctors and talked to them, I still can't get no help. Only people that I thought I could turn to was ya'll. Figured ya'll might be able to help me," said Bell.
Bell has two boys that she would like to stick around for, so she's hoping a dentist can help her.
"I hope I don't leave them, but I just don't like talking about that," said Bell.
Bell has been taking antibiotics and over-the-counter pain medicine for her tooth.
She says that's not helping her sleep through the night, though, because of the pain, and the worry that this toothache may kill her.
WHNT NEWS 19 is Taking Action to try to help Jennifer Bell. We contacted Alabama's Medicaid Office, and they referred us to a dental clinic in Madison that may be able to help Jennifer Bell. Medicaid told us this clinic often bases a person's fee on an ability-to-pay basis.
We've put the clinic in touch with Ms. Bell. They've spoken with her, and are working to bring her in so they can see what needs to be done. We'll keep you posted on what happens.
Jennifer Bell called WHNT NEWS 19 to ask us to Take Action for her. We're highlighting the problem to try to get her some help.
Bell has been dealing with a major toothache for the past two months. She's tried doctor after doctor to deal with the situation, unfortunately, she says she can't afford the co-pay at the door.
"It's from here to it's moving on up to right in here, up to my temple," said Bell.
Bell showed us where the swelling in her neck is moving up to her head. Her medical physician says it's from the infected tooth, or teeth in her mouth.
Right now, she can't afford to see a dentist to find out what's going on in her mouth.
"I don't have that kind of money," said Bell.
Jennifer has Medicare and Medicaid, and lives on a fixed income. However, neither program covers dental work for adults.
"I've been in and they want the co-payment and it's too high," said Bell. "And I can't afford to pay for that."
Bell says after trying about nine different dentists, she just can't afford the money up front.
One place quoted her $165 for the initial visit, just so they can see what the problem is. That may not include the dental work.
"I'm on a fixed income. And then I have all the bills I have to pay. And that little bit of money that they give is not enough to pay for dental service. And Medicaid won't pay for it either. Medicaid or Medicare," said Bell.
Bell is up against the gun.
"He [physician] told me that it could kill me, if I don't get something done about it," said Bell.
Bell feels like she's in a catch-22. She's tried the Community Free Clinic in Decatur. However, they won't accept patients who have Medicaid or Medicare. WHNT NEWS 19 called the clinic and they confirmed that to us.
"I don't feel like I have anywhere to turn to or nothing, and I don't know where to go to. I've already tried so many doctors and talked to them, I still can't get no help. Only people that I thought I could turn to was ya'll. Figured ya'll might be able to help me," said Bell.
Bell has two boys that she would like to stick around for, so she's hoping a dentist can help her.
"I hope I don't leave them, but I just don't like talking about that," said Bell.
Bell has been taking antibiotics and over-the-counter pain medicine for her tooth.
She says that's not helping her sleep through the night, though, because of the pain, and the worry that this toothache may kill her.
WHNT NEWS 19 is Taking Action to try to help Jennifer Bell. We contacted Alabama's Medicaid Office, and they referred us to a dental clinic in Madison that may be able to help Jennifer Bell. Medicaid told us this clinic often bases a person's fee on an ability-to-pay basis.
We've put the clinic in touch with Ms. Bell. They've spoken with her, and are working to bring her in so they can see what needs to be done. We'll keep you posted on what happens.
