The cost of dental care can be prohibitively expensive for many families. However, one area where there seems to be confusion is the accessibility of dental services for patients receiving Medicaid benefits. By providing some key information, this article aims to clarify the options available for those seeking dental offices that accept Medicaid.
Understanding Medicaid and Dental Services
Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that helps individuals and families with low income to cover the costs of medical and dental expenses. For the beneficiaries looking for dental services, it is worth noting that Medicaid covers some dental services for all enrollees, while the coverage of others depends on the regulation of each state.
Medicaid and Your Dental Office- What to Expect?
While Medicaid’s dental benefit varies by state, most states provide at least emergency dental services for adults. However, less than half of the states currently provide comprehensive dental care. If you are among those who are eligible and looking to utilize these benefits, bear in mind that you might have to search a little bit to find the dental offices that accept Medicaid.
These offices have enrolled as Medicaid providers; they have agreed to accept the determined fee schedule and not bill the patients for any difference between their usual charges and the Medicaid payment. When searching for these providers, make sure to check each office’s policies, as some limit the number of Medicaid patients they accept, while others have certain conditions tied to services.
Finding A Medicaid Dental Provider
You can find a listing of dental providers who accept Medicaid on the Department of Health and Human Services website for your state. You can also check the Medicaid enrollee handbook, or call the toll-free Medicaid number for a list of providers in your area. Another resource is the American Dental Association’s website, where you can search by state and see the dental benefits offered in your specific state.
Taking Advantage of Insurance and Medicaid
Services such as teeth cleaning, fillings and crowns are relatively common treatments and regularly covered by Medicaid. On the other hand, a few treatments may not be covered, or only partially covered, by Medicaid and can be quite expensive. One such treatment is porcelain veneers; naturally, many patients wonder about porcelain veneers cost with insurance.
Even with insurance, the cost of porcelain veneers can be high, depending on your plan’s coverage, the extent of your treatment, and the dentist’s fees. Unfortunately, Medicaid typically does not cover veneers as it is often considered a purely cosmetic procedure. Thus, even if your dentist’s office accepts Medicaid, they might not be able to use it for something like the porcelain veneer procedure.
Conclusion
While navigating the dental care landscape with Medicaid can be complex, knowing what to expect can make the process much smoother. Understanding the basics of Medicaid’s dental coverage and the dental offices that accept Medicaid are crucial first steps to take. For those high-cost elective procedures, take the time to understand the costs even porcelain veneers cost with insurance, as it can save you from unexpected bills in the future.