| Federal “Cash for Chompers” program |
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| Saturday, 22 August 2009 16:23 | |||
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Taking a cue from a Dallas dentist who was inspired by congress' Cash for Clunkers program, the federal government quietly unveiled details of its own Cash for Chompers program. The federal program was introduced in Kentucky and West Virginia, the 2 states with the country's worst toothless rates, to test its popularity and success. Results from studies note the average Kentucky family has 12 teeth compared to the 12.8 of the average W. Virginia family.A Kentucky lawmaker anonymously stated his state was chosen based on its desperate need of dental care and since it has the fewest teeth of any state the cost can be kept low(1). A West Virginia representative was pleased his county was chosen, remarking “If we can get our citizens to understand the importance of dental health then the program should go over smooth as paint in other states. And if we can maybe get all three dentists in our state to stay employed that will be a bonus”(2). Unlike the Dallas program that pays for dentures, under the federal program eligible families will receive a voucher for free exams and x rays, and can get teeth cleanings for $2. The program clearly states though that it will cost the patient extra if they have more than 5 teeth. If they need fillings or any other work, patients will receive a rebate covering up to 80% of their out of pocket costs or gift certificates to Wal Mart. Modeled after the wildly successful auto program in many ways, this new economic stimulus/health care program is unique in the fact that it is being funded entirely by another federal program nicknamed “Grands for Grills.” Already running in Georgia, New York and California, participants receive cash for the mouth jewelry worn over their teeth. The jewelry is then either melted down and sold for a profit, or kept in it's original shape and sold to television personality and rapper Flavor Flav.
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