Emergency Dentists for Medicaid Patients

If you have a dental emergency and you have Medicaid insurance, you have to consider several factors when choosing an emergency dentist. In this article we will cover what exactly is Medicaid, whether it covers dental emergencies, and whether there are any emergency dentists that accept this insurance plan. If you are in Phoenix or Portland, read below to contact our preferred providers for that area.

If you are in any other city, please call 833-483-1743 to be immediately connected with an emergency dentist in your zip code for urgent dental care.

What is Medicaid?

Medicaid is a federal and state program to provide health insurance for people with limited income and resources. Medicaid is funded by the federal government and by the states, but is administered independently by each state. Each state has their own name for their Medicaid program, which can cause some confusion as often they refer to the same thing. For example, the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) is the Medicaid program in Arizona; therefore a Medicaid and an AHCCCS patient in Arizona are the same thing.

Medicaid is a government-funded healthcare program that provides coverage to low-income individuals and families. One of the challenges Medicaid patients face is finding reliable emergency dental care. This article aims to provide information about emergency dentists who accept Medicaid in Dallas, Texas, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Chicago, Illinois, as well as answer some common questions about Medicaid.

Medicaid is not to be confused with Medicare, which is also a government insurance program but is intended for people over 65 years old, regardless of income.

Do Emergency Dentists accept Medicaid?

Before being able to answer this question, you need to find out the following for your particular state:

Not all Medicaid programs offer dental coverage, though most do offer some type of coverage for dental emergencies. In any case, you will find that the majority of dentists do not accept these insurances, which can be frustrating for patients that are in dire need of a dentist. Below we list some providers that we know accept certain Medicaid plans, but please note that when in doubt, you can call your insurance provider (through the phone number listed on the card) and they can provide you a list of providers that accept your insurance plan.

Emergency Dentists for Medicaid Patients in Portland

The Medicaid program in Oregon is called The Oregon Health Plan (OHP), and there are portions of this program that offer dental coverage. If you are part of the ODS Community Dental Plan, then you have preventive and emergency dental coverage. The Portland Emergency Dentist accepts patients under the ODS plan, so please do not hesitate to contact them as soon as possible if you are experiencing a dental emergency. If you do not have an ODS plan, then you should call OHP at 1-800-699-9075 between the hours of 7 AM to 6 PM and they will be able to provide you with a list of dentists in your area that accept OHP.

Emergency Dentists for Medicaid Patients in Phoenix

In Arizona, the Medicaid program is managed by the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS), and if you are experiencing a dental emergency in the Phoenix area, then we highly recommend you contact the Tempe Emergency Dentist, as they specialize in helping AHCCCS patients, whereas most emergency dentists in the greater Phoenix metro are not able to accept AHCCCS insurance.

Emergency Dentists for Medicaid Patients in Denver

For Emergency Dentists in Denver, Colorado, the Medicaid program is known as Health First Colorado, covers some dental benefits for providers in their network. Colorado's medicaid program is one of the more expasion in the nation with regards to the dental coverage they offer, covering restorative services such as fillings, root canals, crowns, dentures, and periodontal scaling up to a $1,500 limit per fiscal year. Emergency dental services are indeed covered by Health First, and even better, they are not subject to the $1,500 per year limit. It is also important to note that anybody under 21 is considered a minor by Health First, and is under a different benefit schedule.

Emergency Dentists for Medicaid Patients in Dallas, Texas

When a dental emergency strikes in Dallas, Texas, Medicaid patients have options for emergency dental care. Our primary recommendation is the Denton Emergency Dentist, on the outskirts of Fort Worth which can be reached at 940-215-0335.Some of the other emergency dentists that accept Medicaid in Dallas include Comfort Smile Dental, Jefferson Dental Clinics, and Mint Dentistry. These clinics offer a range of emergency dental services, including tooth extractions, root canals, and treatment for toothaches.

Emergency Dentists for Medicaid Patients in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, has several dental clinics that offer emergency dental care to Medicaid patients. Philadelphia FIGHT, Temple University Kornberg School of Dentistry, and Penn Dental Medicine are some of the clinics that provide emergency dental services, including extractions, fillings, and root canals.

Emergency Dentists for Medicaid Patients in Chicago, Illinois

Chicago, Illinois, has several dental clinics that offer emergency dental care to Medicaid patients. Some of the emergency dentists that accept Medicaid in Chicago include Chicago Family Dental Care, University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry, and Smile On Dental Salon & Sleep Apnea Center. These clinics provide a range of emergency dental services, including extractions, fillings, and root canals.

Why do some dentists not accept Medicaid?

One of the main reasons some dentists do not accept Medicaid is that Medicaid reimbursement rates are typically lower than private insurance or out-of-pocket payments. This can make it challenging for dentists to cover their overhead costs. Additionally, the administrative burden associated with Medicaid reimbursement can be significant, which may discourage some dentists from accepting Medicaid patients.

What if I can't find an emergency dentist in my city that accepts Medicaid?

If you cannot find an emergency dentist in your city that accepts Medicaid, you may want to consider going to an emergency room. While emergency rooms are not typically equipped to handle dental emergencies, they can provide pain relief and refer you to a dentist that accepts Medicaid. You may also want to contact your state's Medicaid office to inquire about available resources and options for emergency dental care.

How is Medicaid different from Medicare?

While both Medicaid and Medicare are government-funded healthcare programs, they serve different populations. Medicaid is designed to provide healthcare coverage to low-income individuals and families, while Medicare is designed to provide healthcare coverage to individuals over the age of 65 and those with certain disabilities. Medicaid is also administered by the states, while Medicare is administered by the federal government.

What's my Medicaid policy number?

Your Medicaid policy number can typically be found on your Medicaid card or enrollment paperwork. If you cannot locate your Medicaid policy number, you may want to contact your state's Medicaid office for assistance.

What is my group number for Medicaid?

Group numbers are typically assigned to individuals who are part of a larger group, such as an employer-sponsored health plan. Medicaid recipients do not typically have a group number assigned to them. However, if you are unsure, you may want to contact your state's Medicaid office for clarification.

Emergency Oral Surgeon for Medicaid Patients

Whether you can use your Medicaid insurance to pay for oral surgery will depend on whether your state's Medicaid plan cover oral surgery. Generally, in states where Medicaid includes dental coverage, then Medicaid will pay for oral surgery as long as it is determined to be medically necessary. Wisdom tooth extractions often qualify when they become an emergency. The best option for patients is often to visit an emergency dentist first, and from there obtain an evaluation and referral to an oral surgeon if needed.

24 Hour Emergency Dentist Near Me That Accepts Medicaid

If you've searched our list of preferred providers above and have not been able to locate an emergency dentist near you that accepts Medicaid, or is not open at the time you need, then you should call 833-483-1743 as soon as possible. We will connect you with a dentist near you that will assist you.

Conclusion

Finding reliable emergency dental care as a Medicaid patient can be challenging, but there are options available. Identifying emergency dentists that accept Medicaid in your area, considering going to an emergency room, and contacting your state's Medicaid office for assistance are all viable options. Understanding the differences between Medicaid and Medicare, and knowing your Medicaid policy number can also help ensure you receive the care you need in a timely manner.