WE LOVE MEDICAID

f you’re enrolled in Medicaid you already have dental benefits, and we would love to see you at our office in Terre Haute, Indiana. All you have to do is make an appointment and show us your Medicaid card when you visit.

Medicaid covers dental services for all children enrolled as part of a comprehensive group of benefits, called the Early and Periodic Screening Diagnostic and Treatment benefit. Oral screening may be part of a physical exam, however, it does not substitute for a dental examination performed by a dentist. A referral to a dentist is required for every child in accordance with the periodicity schedule set by a state.

Dental services for children must include at a minimum: restoration of teeth, relief of pain and infections, and maintenance of dental health.

The EPSDT has a number of requirements. States will determine medical necessity. All services must be provided if determined medically necessary. If a condition requiring treatment is discovered during a screening, the state must provided the necessary services to treat the condition, whether or not such services are included in a state’s Medicaid plan.

Each state is required to develop a dental periodicity schedule in consultation with recognized dental organizations involved in child health care. Dental services may not be limited to emergency services for children entitled to EPSDT.

Dental services must be provided at intervals that meet reasonable standards of dental practice, and at such other intervals, as indicated by medical necessity, to determine the existence of a suspected illness or condition. States must consult with recognized dental organizations involved in child health care to establish those intervals. A referral to a dentist is required for every child in accordance with each State’s periodicity schedule and at other intervals as medically necessary. The periodicity schedule for other EPSDT services may not govern the schedule for dental services.

To apply for Medicaid, you will need to fill out and submit a Medicaid application, also known as an Indiana Application for Health Coverage. Once you submit your complete application, it will take up to 90 days to determine if you are eligible; however, many applications are reviewed in less time. You can check on the status of your application online by clicking on your county of residence or by calling 1-800-403-0864. You will need to have your case number to check the status of your application.

Medicaid is a federal and state health insurance program for people with a low income.