October 30, 2026

Axis Health System Expands Dental Care for Low-Income Seniors in Southwest Colorado

New program helps adults 60 and older access affordable dental care in Cortez and Durango.

Axis Health System is pleased to announce that it has received funding through Colorado’s Dental Health Care Program for Low-Income Seniors, expanding access to essential dental services for older adults in Southwest Colorado. The program will initially be available at our dental clinics in Cortez and Durango, helping eligible seniors receive dental care that might otherwise be financially out of reach.

Administered by the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing (HCPF), the Senior Dental Program provides funding to community health centers and other dental providers to deliver care to low-income adults ages 60 and older who have limited access to dental coverage.

Access to dental care is an important part of maintaining overall health, particularly as we age. This funding will help us remove financial barriers and connect more older adults in our communities with the dental services they need to stay healthy.

Who Qualifies for the Senior Dental Program?

The program is designed for Colorado residents who meet specific eligibility requirements, including:

• Being 60 years of age or older.
• Having a household income at or below 250% of the Federal Poverty Level.
• Not qualifying for dental services through Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid program) or the Old Age Pension Health and Medical Care Program.
• Not having private dental insurance.

Individuals with dental benefits through Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan may still qualify, depending on their coverage. Eligibility and covered services will be reviewed before care is provided.

Why Dental Care Matters for Older Adults

Good oral health plays an important role in overall health and quality of life. Untreated dental problems can contribute to pain, infection, difficulty eating, and other health complications. For older adults, maintaining healthy teeth and gums is especially important when managing chronic health conditions such as diabetes and heart disease.

Unfortunately, dental care can be difficult to afford for seniors living on fixed incomes. Traditional Medicare generally does not cover routine dental services, leaving many older adults responsible for paying out of pocket for preventive and restorative care.

The Senior Dental Program helps address this gap by supporting access to a range of dental services, including examinations, cleanings, X-rays, fillings, extractions, dentures, and other covered treatments based on individual needs and program guidelines. 

Learn More About the Program

Seniors, family members, caregivers, and community partners interested in learning more about the Senior Dental Program, eligibility requirements, or accessing services at Axis are encouraged to contact the dental team at Axis Health System.

Additional information about Colorado’s Dental Health Care Program for Low-Income Seniors is available through the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing.