Medicaid may be able to cover dental implants, but it isn’t a common practice. The health insurance program for the public considers implanting artificial teeth as a cosmetic procedure, unless required by a medical condition. In states with ample Medicaid dental coverage, these programs rarely pay for medical expenses associated with implants. There is numerous options to help make this procedure cost-effective.
Important takeaways
- Medicaid is a federal and state-sponsored healthcare plan designed for families and individuals who have little income and resources.
- Medicaid could assist in paying for dental implants that replace teeth lost due to medical ailments like injury, illness or medical issues.
- While states are required to provide full dental coverage to children who receive Medicaid The scope of coverage for adults is significantly.
- While Medicaid insurance for dental implants is not common dentists often provide options to cut costs on the procedure.
Why do you require dental implants?
Implants for dental purposes are usually the most popular method of replacing teeth. Implants are a popular choice for people due to the fact that they desire or require an indefinite, natural-looking and appealing oral solution rather than dental bridges or dentures.
Implants are surgical devices that are implanted in the jaws to substitute teeth that are missing. Loss of teeth could be because of decay or infection as well as injuries. Implantation surgery can:
- Restore the ability of chewing
- Improve your appearance
- Help to ensure that nearby teeth are stable.
- Keep healthy gums and bone
- Help to prevent shrinking of jawbone as a result of loss of bone
Will Medicaid cover dental implants for adults?
Medicaid could or might not allow dental implants for individuals over the age of 18, as each state’s Medicaid program has its own rules regarding dental treatment. Additionally, implants are an elective procedure, so Medicaid generally denies coverage.
Medicaid requires proof of the medical necessity for implants to improve health. Your healthcare provider and dentist have to offer a complete treatment plan. But, Medicaid may still elect to decline requests to use dental implants.
Even states that have extensive Medicaid dental coverage may only cover dental implants to address serious dental health issues arising from other issues such as injuries, disability, illness or disease health condition. Medicaid will then function as health insurance and help provide the complete treatment for dental implants.
For example the health insurance component of Medicaid could cover dental implants:
- Increase the strength of the jawbone following surgery, fractures that are accidental or elimination of tumors that are cancerous.
- Reduce the bone atrophy that is caused by osteoporosis, diabetes or digestive problems.
Dental implantation involves a series of steps that can differ depending on your specific needs. What you Medicaid policy covers will depend on the benefits offered in your particular area.
Are you able to get free dental implants using Medicaid?
It’s unlikely to get free dental implants through Medicaid. If implantation is the best option for treatment in an emergency situation, Medicaid may approve the procedure.
A few beneficiaries younger than 21 may be eligible for the procedure free of expense under the benefits of Early Periodic Screening Diagnostic and Therapy (EPSDT) Benefit. Medicaid in the state’s Medicaid program must also include dental implants and the patient’s medical condition should need such treatment.
How many dollars will dental implants set you back?
The price of dental implants is contingent on the location of your dentist and the plan of treatment. Implants can cost thousands of dollars just for one dental implant repair. Even if your dental or health insurance will cover certain expenses, you should anticipate additional costs out of pocket.
A lot of dental providers provide no-cost consultations for discussing issues related to budgets, including:
- Treatment goals and requirements
- The number of implants required
- The kind of implant that is used
- There are a number of appointments needed for the finalization of the implant process
- Costs of pre-procedures such as diagnostic tests, anesthesia
What else are you able to do to get affordable dental care?
Implant dentists may provide third-party financing options to help manage expenses. Consider financing the options you have when speaking with an expert in implantology. The local health department or United Way office may have information on free or reduced-cost dental treatment in your area.
Take a look at these other options to locate affordable dental services:
Dental schools
Medicaid and a majority of dental insurance companies can assist in covering the costs of care offered in the dental school. Dental schools often provide a no-cost dental implant option in a sliding-scale. The student care providers have to remain under the direction of dental schools that are accredited through the American Dental Association.
Dental savings plans
Major health insurance companies offer dental savings plans that offer discounts on cosmetic procedures such as implant dentistry. Savings plans for dentists can also be used to treat chronic conditions like missing teeth. Be sure that your dental plan provides dental implant insurance and a missing Tooth Clause.
Dental tourism
Many have travelled beyond the boundaries to find cheap dental implants. The most popular destinations are Mexico, Costa Rica, Romania as well as Columbia. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that medical tourists be aware of these rules before traveling to another country:
- Talk about this possibility with a healthcare professional within the U.S. to understand the potential risks.
- Make sure the dentist you are considering visiting is board certified or is a member of the American Dental Association or International Association of Cosmetic Dentists.
- Buy comprehensive traveler’s health insurance.
- Know that traveling after a procedure may increase the chance for blood clots.
- Be prepared for possible language barriers.
If you’re on Medicaid and are looking for dental implants, getting insurance through your state’s Medicaid program could be a challenge. Contact with your Medicaid administrator to determine whether this benefit is available in your region. It is also possible to ask an oral health professional or a local community services agency for information on how to get the procedure for a price that you can pay for.
FAQ
Are implants for teeth covered by Medicaid?
In some rare instances, Medicaid may approve implants in the event of a medical necessity that is documented. Your healthcare provider must prove that implant placement is the most costly treatment for the condition being taken care of. A percentage of the cost of dental implants could be covered by eligible Medicaid beneficiaries who are younger than 21.
Does health insurance cover dental implant surgery?
The extent to which the health insurance plan will cover dental implant surgery will depend on the insurance company, plan coverage details, and annual limits of the plan. It may help to pay for the procedure if it is required due to gum disease, injury tooth decay, an unsuccessful root canal. Review your policy for details.
Can you get free dental implants?
The possibilities of obtaining the dental implant for free are low due to the expertise of surgeons and the time it takes for professional care. You may need to visit a dentist as well as an oral or maxillofacial doctor. It is likely that you will need several visits to each stage of the process. Be aware that the cost of surgery can surpass the costs for the procedure.
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In which states will Medicaid cover dental implants?
The state’s Medicaid program could offer dental implant insurance for cases that meet the health insurance requirements that require medical need. But, Medicaid tends to provide less expensive dental treatments when dental benefits are provided.
Resources:
- Food and Drug Administration. Dental Implants What You Need To be aware of.
- CareQuest Institute for Oral Health. Medicaid adult dental benefit expansion.
- National Association of Medicaid Directors. Striving for Balance During Medicaid’s unwinding.
- American Academy of Implant Dentistry. Price and Value.
- American Academy of Implant Dentistry. Current Trends Dental Implants 2022.
