My kids were going to a local dentist and using MEDICAID. In Sept. of this year, that dentist quit allowing?

Question

MEDICAID and told me that several dentists would be doing the same. When I tried to find another dentist, it was VERY HARD. Are all dentists going to quit using MEDICAID AND MEDICARE?

Answer 1

With the price of dentistry, medicaid just doesn't pay and dentist are not excepting it. Its a shame when you bill a $100.00 filling and they give you $10.- it doesn't even pay for the assistant let alone the materials. The same with dental insurance it just has not kept up with times. For $1000.00 you used to get 3 crowns a year, now you barley get one. Go figure!

Answer 2

Probably, but there is a good reason. Medicaid has made it very difficult for dentists to submit claims and the reimbursement level is a joke. If the normal charge is $75 and commercial insurance pays $65, Medicaid might pay $25.

A dentist can't even pay the staff at that rate. The only way to take these patients is to provide less to them and that's just not fair.

Also, it can take up to 3 months to get the check from Medicaid once you figure out how to fill out their claim forms! Oh, and don't forget to get a copy of that coupon every month.

We'd rather give the care away than mess with Medicaid which we do a few times a year. We have "give kids a smile" day where we do cleanings and screenings on disadvantaged kids.

I'm truly sorry we can't accept these patients, as they need care just like everybody else. We couldn't keep our doors open if we took very many of these patients.

Answer 3

Unfortunately, there are so many people living at the poverty level, the backlog for Medicaid care is horrendous. Understand that Medicaid will reimburse the dentist about $35 for removing a tooth. It costs more to pay the staff than that. New Jersey has not had a major fee revision in over 20 years and the fees were horrible 20 years ago. Many would GIVE away the care, but to work for Medicaid fees usually means that the doctor is paying for part of your care out of his own pocket, as he still has to meet expenses. In my little office in a rural area, it costs about $185-200 per hour to open the office. That MUST be paid before I have a penny to put in my own pocket. I can't see a Medicaid patient and do four extractions, which would take about an hour, and lose $60 of my own money. I do not mean I'd make $60 less than usual. I mean it would cost me $60 out of my pocket to make up the difference so I could pay my staff and the electric company, etc., and I'd have nothing at all for my efforts and liability.

Most communities have a public health clinic that works for Medicaid fees. Unfortunately, due to demand, you may have to wait several weeks for an appointment. Just don't fail to show up or you might be blacklisted! I've heard of that happening.

Answer 4

After working for a doctors office that handled many MEDICAID and MEDICARE claims, I'll say that we saw diddly crap for Medicaid. A doctor that allows the card is rare because they just don't see a penny for it. Medicare is not this way, the money is much better.

Answer 5

Call the local office where you applied for your card and ask them for the toll free number for finding a dentist. All states have the 800 number...you call and give them your zip code and they will give you the ones closest to you that accept it. If there isn't one close to you, ask your current dentist if he offers a sliding scale for those who have no insurance, or would work out a payment scale for you...explain the situation, they may help. If not, find out if your state has a Kid Care program which is a supplement insurance to low income families.

Answer 6

i think you should check with your local medicaid provider. they should be able to give you a list of doctors, dentists, etc. that accept medicare.

Answer 7

probably , many cut backs thanks to Bush.

Try your local clinic. If they don't take medicaid, at least their prices will be much lower. good luck

Answer 8

There may be a dental school in your area if all else fails.