What type of dental work will medicaid cover?

Our practice is located in Los Angeles, California. We have always accepted medicaid patients, who are referred to as Dentical patients.  Our practice is on a list of providers for Dentical patients and low income families with children who need dental work . Many dentists will not even bother with Dentical patients because of the billing involved and the fees they receive for their work are so low. Now because of the state's budget crises, they have cut back on who is covered through Dentical.  Guiidelines are all children under the age of 21 are covered and can recieive dental care by participating dentists and adults if they live in an assisted living center or home.  Adults who need emergency treatment and are referred by their medical doctor or  a pregnant woman who's dental condition could damgage the unborn baby.  We have and will continue to treat Dentical patients and we also do all of the dental work free for Children of the Night.  They are our chairty and we have been doing it for 30 years. Giving back is the right thing to do !

Dental work provided by Medicaid varies from state to state.  Some states provide comprehensive care for all patients while other states may only cover basic preventive services.  Most states also require Medicaid recipients to obtain their dental care from a closed panel of dental providers.  Check with your local Medicaid office for details on what your specific state plan provides for dental care.  Also check the list of providers in your area.  It is best to verify with the dental office that they are still providing care and accepting Medicaid patients before obtaining dental treatment.  Most importantly, these programs are generally free for the patient but are costly for the dental provider.  Most office receive minimal reimbursement for their services.  If you make an appointment, keep it or call well in advance to change or cancel.  When a patient is a No-Show, it adversely effects the dental office, the Medicaid system and prevents another patient who wanted treatment from having the opportunity.

Medicaid coverage varies from state to state.  Generally speaking treament is for relief of tooth pain not for cosmetic services.