What Dental Services are Covered by Medicaid - us.instasmile.com

The Medicaid program is jointly funded by the State and Federal governments and provides health benefits to American citizens. However, many people are unaware of its immense low-cost programs and rules for various states. 

The rules for all dental services it covers in various states are different. So, keep reading to learn what Medicaid covers dental services.

Medicaid - A Brief Introduction

Medicaid has been running since 1965 and is popular among people. It was created to help low-income adults, children, pregnant women, elderly adults and people with disabilities by providing medical assistance. So far it has done a great job of helping millions of Americans across the country receive health benefits.

Services Covered by Medicaid

Medicaid covers various health services, and to check your eligibility; you have to contact the State Medicaid Agency. Some states provide full-fledged services, while some have different eligibility criteria. 

So, let's learn about the dental services given by Medicaid:

Dental Benefits for Children by Medicaid

Dental benefits are not included in emergency services, and every state has to follow a periodic diagnosis of dental care for children. The enrolled children can go for oral screening and routine schedules. 

After having a regular checkup, the dentist can refer some cases for treatment. It can be dealing with infections and pains, performing successful broken tooth repair, and maintaining dental health.

The dental services for children in all states must include:

• Relief of pain and infections
• Restoration of teeth
• Maintenance of dental health

These dental benefits are regulated under Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment (EPSDT). Every state has to schedule appropriate dental checkups for children and refer the concerned cases forward. 

Dental Services Children in CHIP

The children enrolled in Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) can also use Medicaid Dental services. The Medicaid expansion program provides dental services to children from low-income families who do not qualify for private insurance.

It covers dental services for children like;

• Procedures necessary to prevent disease and promote oral health
• Restore oral structures to health and function 
• Treat emergency conditions. For example, assisting weak teeth with a durable dental crown.

Dental Services for Adults in Medicaid

Dental care for adults over 21 is determined by the state government. Most of the time, Medicaid assistance provides dental coverage to low-income individuals, people with disabilities, elderly citizens, and expecting mothers. Also, many states give comprehensive services too. So, you have to check your eligibility and enroll in the program, and you can get dental benefits according to the rules.

Various Dental Services Provided by Medicaid

Here are some of the popular services covered under Medicaid:

Restorative Care

Restorative care includes dental services like repairing and replacing decayed and damaged teeth. It may also cover affordable treatment for missed teeth. Some of the remedies under restorative care are:

• Providing affordable and effective dentures
• Performing root canal treatment 
• Installing crown over the tooth. 

Although these are very low-cost treatments funded by respective States and the Federal Government, they have some limitations. As a result, the states check how many times you can opt for the same service.

Oral Surgery

Medicaid in some states also covers oral surgeries. It may include injuries and defects of the mouth, teeth, jaws, face, head, and neck. The surgeries are performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon and are covered under Medicaid Health insurance. Examples: Wisdom tooth removal and Corrective jaw operations.

Dental Emergencies

All states have dental care available for all eligible and enrolled adults in case of emergencies. The Medicaid insurance has to pay for dental emergencies arising from accidents and certain diseases. This includes:

• Extractions of broken teeth after an accident
• Root canals after non-biting trauma

But, Sixteen states provide limited emergency oral care services only, and that is:

• Processes required to handle bleeding, reduce distress or stop critical diseases
• Assistance is needed to prevent "pulpal death" and the coming loss of teeth.

Orthodontic Dental Services

The Medicaid program won't pay for orthodontic dental services, and few exceptions exist. It will pay for braces under the health insurance scheme. In addition, orthodontic dental services for an emergency can be covered. 

For example, repositioning teeth after a non-biting accident or treating sleep apnea or Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMJ or TMD). By knowing which treatments are covered under Medicaid services and insurance, you can get low-cost treatment options.

Preventive Dentistry

Medicaid can sometimes include preventive dental care. It includes regular oral exams, cleanings, fluoride application, sealants, and X-rays that help patients avoid decay, gum inflammation, and tooth loss.

It's an oral care program that encourages healthy dental habits and preventative measures. Thirty-one states offer preventive dental services as part of the program.

Periodontal Treatment

Only a few states provide periodontal treatment services for Medicaid-enrolled people. It deals with precautionary steps to avoid, diagnose and treat gum diseases. Gingivitis is one of the common diseases which fall under it. Only nineteen states give this benefit under the Medicaid program.

You can look for these Periodontal Treatment services in eligible states:

• Deep cleaning (root planing and scaling)
• Gingival flap surgery to treat late-stage disease
• Gum grafting to address receding gum lines

Medicaid excludes all dental beautification services. For that, you have to opt for authentic cosmetic enhancement services which are readily available. So, these were all the services, terms, and conditions for Medicaid insurance.

Takeaway

You can get access to various dental procedures through the Medicaid program. You have to check the eligibility criteria for each state and enroll in the program. Learn what benefits you can take from the dental services of each state. This information will help you have low-cost procedures and healthy dental health. For those with a limited Medicaid programme we offer clip-on veneers allowing you to achieve you're perfect smile again without having to visit a dentist reducing the cost.