Author: nearmedental
If you have Medicaid, then consider yourself lucky that you have dental insurance. Dental coverage under Medicaid is essential as it takes care of your dental health and gets preventive maintenance done. However, getting even a routine exam is difficult for those without Medicaid.
According to the American Dental Association, only 6.7% of adults in America have dental insurance covered under Medicaid. With such a low number, it is difficult to find a dentist near me that takes Medicaid. The number is slightly better among children as 38.7% of kids and teenagers are covered for dental insurance under Medicaid. Private insurance can be very expensive. Therefore, it is essential to get Medicaid and find a dentist near me that takes Medicaid.
All About Medicaid
Medicaid is funded by the federal and state government to provide free or low-cost health insurance for everyone. The coverage is especially provided for low-income families and children, the elderly, and people with disabilities.
Medicaid is available for everyone irrespective of income in 32 states so far. However, the Financial eligibility differs for the rest of the states.
Dentist Near Me that takes Medicaid – Cost
Medicaid is a necessary primary health program. Therefore, it includes some procedures that may be necessary for your dental health. The cost of your dental procedure completely depends upon the state you are residing in and you need to do specific research before you opt for a procedure.
Although comprehensive medical services are completely free in 32 states, the rest of the states will only provide emergency medical benefits. Here, emergency dental services refer to necessary procedures or extractions that would provide immediate relief to the patient. The emergency procedures also include services required to control bleeding or get rid of infections.
In the states of Arizona, Idaho, Maryland, Montana, Texas, Georgia, Kansas, Mississippi, Utah, New Hampshire, Hawaii, Maine, Missouri, Oklahoma, and West Virginia, getting a dentist near me that takes Medicaid will only cover emergency procedures.
Dentist Near Me that takes Medicaid – Age
Individuals Under the Age of 21
If you are under the age of 21, you will get almost all the dental procedures covered under Medicaid. Especially for children, Medicaid provides EPSDT which means Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment Program. All the states are required to provide this service for free.
However, you need to get your dental checkups done at a specific time period according to your Medicaid plan. Under the EPSDT, you will get immediate relief from pain, elimination of mouth infections, and restoration of oral health.
Adults Over 21
If you are over 21, you will only get emergency procedures for free under Medicaid. Some states opt for dental coverage for disabled adults, pregnant women, and elderly people. However, if you do not fall into any of these criteria, you will need to bear extra costs for other procedures.
How to Use Medicaid when Looking for Dentist Near Me that takes Medicaid
Getting your Medicaid is a tedious process but you can follow these steps to make it smoother.
Apply for the Program
Every state has different criteria for coverage but there is no waiting period once you qualify. You can apply for the program through the Medicaid agency or from the health insurance marketplace. After you fill out the application, apply for the different coverage plans that you qualify for according to your income.
If you qualify for the program, you will be contacted by the state agency. Keep the following documents ready – proof of identity, citizenship, income, residence, and disability if applicable.
State Medicaid Agency
You need to know your dental options after you fill out the Medicaid application. As each state has a different agency, schedule an appointment with them to discuss your options. Note down the important questions you might have about services, procedures, and the dentist near me that takes Medicaid.
Schedule an Appointment with the Dentist Near Me that takes Medicaid
After you find out the dental services that you are eligible for, it is time for you to schedule an appointment. Your dental agency will have specific providers in your area. You can visit the one who is near you. After scheduling your visit, you can get an extensive oral examination done. If you have any emergency, make sure that your dentist knows about it.
Bottom Line
Your Medicaid agency will always guide you to a dentist near me that takes Medicaid. Here, you can find out all your dental options and figure out the ones that work best for you.
