Medicaid Dental Plans in Florida

Medicaid – the name for public health programs subsidized for taxpayers to help the low-income group to afford comprehensive healthcare including dental care. Although Medicaid is governed and developed by the United States, it is managed by the states. This program is driven within federal guidelines and partially funded by the federal government. The guidelines of Medicaid are somewhat expansive which causes each state to exercise a certain extent of freedom in administering the services.

WHAT DOES THE MEDICAID PLANS OFFER TO THE CITIZENS?

In Florida, Medicaid recipients are eligible for the Statewide Medicaid Managed Care Program which has three components. These include Long Term Care, Managed Medical Assistance, and Dental Care. Individuals eligible to receive the benefits using one or more plan types.

One of the critical requirements of the states is to provide dental benefits to children along with CHIP or Children’s Health Insurance Program. The MEDICAID DENTAL PLANS IN FLORIDA are determined by the state and include minimum visits to the dental facility, relief from pain and infection, restoration treatment, and dental care and maintenance. The dental coverage offered to adults is governed and discerned by the state.

WHY IS MEDICAID DENTAL COVERAGE IMPORTANT?

It’s a common misconception that dental insurance is not important as health insurance. Also, there’s a host of insurance plans that do not include dental coverage. But Medicaid plans are developed by the federal government to rule out all problems pertaining to dental and oral issues.

Moreover, oral problems can crop up at any point, either through improper care of teeth or even as a result of accidents and illness. If you are not sure whether you require Medicaid dental coverage, here are some reasons to consider:

* EARLY DETECTION OF DENTAL PROBLEMS: Regular dental screening tests and checkups are critical to finding dental problems before they lead to costly and major procedures. For instance, when tooth decay is left untreated, you may have to spend a lot on invasive procedures. Medicaid covers preventative visits at no additional costs.

* SHIELDS FROM THE FINANCIAL RISKS: Although you undergo thorough preventative care, at times, major dental problems can crop up from nowhere. But if you have Medicaid dental coverage to protect you, you can rest assured that the coverage will shield you from all kinds of hefty financial risks.

* DENTAL HEALTH IMPACTS OVERALL HEALTH: The link between oral and overall health has long been established. If anyone has issues in the mouth, it can cause harmful bacteria to worsen the comorbidities like heart issues, diabetes, and others. Having dental coverage can promote overall health by offering access to preventative dental care and saving you money when any comprehensive treatment and care is required.

WHAT IS THE MEDICAID COVERAGE FOR ADULTS IN FLORIDA?

In Florida, civilians are likely to receive numerous emergency-based dental Medicaid Services. These are certain diagnostic exams, dentures, X-rays, extractions, sedation, dental care, and pain management. In some cases, it is crucial for the dental care provider to substantiate medical necessity and collect authorization in advance.

The MEDICAID DENTAL PLANS IN FLORIDA have extended support for oral healthcare for adults since December 1, 2018. At present, oral healthcare services include additional exams, extractions, X-rays as well as cleanings, screening tests, and fluoride sealants. Moreover, dental services are also extended to pregnant women to facilitate a healthy journey for the mother and the newborn. For disabled individuals, the dental plan covers a free visit to the dental facility so that they become comfortable in the ambiance prior to any invasive procedure.

Dental insurance is highly expensive across the United States including Florida. This is particularly true for individuals looking for comprehensive coverage. According to dental insurance plans, their services can be classified under three groups:

* 1st Group: This includes preventative as well as diagnostic care like X-rays and cleanings.
* 2nd Group: This includes fundamental restorative care such as root canals and fillings.
* 3rd Group: This includes the major dental restorative care such as bridges, crowns, and dentures.

The MEDICAID DENTAL PLANS IN FLORIDA cover Emergency dental services coupled with medically necessary coverage that include limited dental exams, limited dental X-rays, pain management, extractions, dentures, screening tests focusing on dental problems, and sedation if required.

WHAT COVERAGE DOES MEDICAID DENTAL PLANS IN FLORIDA OFFER FOR CHILDREN?

States like Florida that offer CHIP coverage for children through an expansion program are needed to submit the EPSDT advantage. Dental coverage included in CHIP programs comes with all services needed for preventing oral diseases and promoting good quality health, restoring the desired oral structures for optimal health and function along with treating emergency issues.

WHO ARE ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE MEDICAID DENTAL BENEFITS IN FLORIDA?

Dental care services in Florida are created for eligible Medicaid individuals who are disabled, blind, pregnant, aged 65 or older, and eligible for Targeted Adult Medicaid. As you sign up for Medicaid, it’s important to carry the Medicaid member card and also the dental plan card when required for every appointment scheduled with the dentist.

In addition, you should check whether the dentist you have chosen accepts Medicaid or is included in the dental plan network. There are some dentists operating in Florida who require authorization before the treatment. This means he has to obtain permission from the authorities before treating the patient. All these aspects must be checked before signing up with a dental professional.

FINAL WORDS

Oral and dental health is critical for holistic health and improving the overall quality of life. But several low-income families fail to receive the desired dental care. According to the reports of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) and the American Dental Association, the primary reason behind this is that most people do not possess the necessary knowledge regarding the MEDICAID DENTAL PLANS IN FLORIDA and the benefits they offer. Also, few dentists are ready to accept dental plans included in Medicaid. At present, the federal government is taking measures to weather this challenge through mass education on the dental benefits of Medicaid specific to every state.