Children’s Medicaid & CHIP: How Do They Work?
If you have Medicaid or are part of the CHIP program, you can expect to receive affordable dental and health coverage for your children who are 18 years old and younger. This is one of the benefits of enrolling in one of these programs – your child will have the necessary dental coverage.
In the state of Texas, children’s Medicaid or CHIP is managed through DentaQuest, MCNA Dental, or United Healthcare Dental.
According to the DentaQuest handbook, if your child is enrolled in CHIP, there is an annual maximum of around $564; however, even if this maximum is not met, your child will still receive preventive, diagnostic, and medically necessary services as long as they are approved.
Dental Services Covered Under CHIP & Children’s Medicaid Plans
You will want to review your child’s coverage beforehand or have a member of our team go over it with you, but the following services are likely to be included as part of your child’s CHIP or Medicaid coverage:
- Two dental exams and two dental cleanings each year
- Two bi-annual fluoride treatments
- Dental X-rays
- Dental fillings
- Dental crowns
- Root canals
- Tooth extraction
- Other medically necessary treatments
Some of the services not covered include cosmetic dentistry, orthodontics, IV sedation, and general anesthesia.
Medicaid Dental Coverage for Adults
If you meet the state’s requirements for coverage, it is possible for you to receive Medicaid coverage as an adult. The type and extent of coverage are different for every state; however, many do provide emergency dental services for adults, while others offer comprehensive dental care.
DentaQuest provides Medicaid dental coverage for adults, and MCNA offers a Medicaid dental plan for both children and adults living in Texas.
The Center for Health Care Strategies, Inc. provides a state-by-state breakdown of coverage in the following document.
Why Prevention Matters
Children need preventive dental care just as much as adults. Their young, developing smiles need proper protection to avoid cavities and other harmful oral health issues. By making sure they come in for six-month checkups and cleanings, our team can monitor the growth of their smile while helping them maintain better oral health and overall wellness throughout the year.
Our Family Dental Center of East Texas practice is pleased to be dental insurance, Medicaid, and CHIP-friendly, so you can count on us to maximize all of your available benefits, making it easier for you to take better care of your family’s health.
