Federal Nursing Home Administrator Practice Exam

Who typically bears the cost for dental services provided to nursing home residents?

1. The facility

2. The resident or a family member

3. The government

4. Insurance companies

The correct answer is: The resident or a family member

In the context of nursing home residents, the typical responsibility for the cost of dental services falls to the resident or a family member. This approach aligns with general practices in healthcare financing where individuals are often responsible for their own dental care expenses. Medicare, for example, does not cover most dental services, leaving many residents dependent on their own financial resources or those of family members to cover these costs. Medicaid may provide some dental services, but this is not universal and often has limitations based on state regulations. Thus, without sufficient coverage, the onus for payment typically rests with the resident or their family. In contrast, while nursing home facilities may offer some assistance or facilitate access to dental care, they generally do not bear the overall cost of these services. Similarly, government programs and insurance companies may provide partial coverage in specific cases, but they do not typically assume the full financial responsibility for dental care of residents in nursing homes.