Here in Chicago, Medicaid provides health coverage for families. This coverage includes dental treatments. At Dental Town Chicago, we have twelve offices throughout the Chicago area and the surrounding towns, and frequently see families for everything from regular cleanings and exams to emergency dental treatments. We often get questions about how Medicaid Dental benefits work, and whether or not treatments will be covered. If you have specific questions about your plan or about setting up appointments for your family members, please call one of our twelve offices. Otherwise, in this quick guide, we will cover how Medicaid works here in Chicago and answer some of the other common questions we hear at our offices.Â
How Are Medicaid Dental Benefits Managed?
Most dental benefits for Medicaid plans in Chicago are administered through DentaQuest. Since 1999, DentaQuest has acted as an administrator for dental programs in Illinois, including both plans for adults and children. That said, the plans themselves are usually through Managed Care Organizations (MCOs), which are different from HMOs (Health Maintenance Organizations) and PPOs (Preferred Provider Organizations). Some common MCO plans include Aetna Better Health, Blue Cross Community Health Plans, Molina Healthcare, CountryCare, and more. It is important to ensure that you choose a dentist who is in-network with your plan so that you can use your benefits.
Are Dental Emergencies Covered by Medicaid in Chicago?
For the most part, yes, dental emergencies are covered in Chicago if you have a Medicaid plan. It is important to understand that coverage is based on the treatments you receive. Emergency dental care is typically covered by Medicaid, since most of the treatments a patient would need in a dental emergency are medically necessary procedures. For example, Medicaid covers dental X-rays, fillings, and extractions. However, there are some caveats to coverage for oral surgery. Coverage is also different for adults compared to children.
Are Kids’ Dental Treatments Included in My Chicago Medicaid Plan?
Yes, kids’ dental needs are covered. Medicaid organizes patients into two groups: 21 and older and under the age of 21. Children can receive preventive care, including cleanings, exams, fluoride treatments, and dental sealants. Children can also receive dental X-rays. In terms of other procedures, coverage varies. For example, medically necessary orthodontics are covered on a case-by-case basis. Again, it is important to know which plan you have so that you can verify your child’s coverage and make sure that you are going to the right dental office.
Schedule Kid’s Dental Services & Emergency Dentistry with Chicago Offices that Take Medicaid
Dental Town Chicago has twelve offices throughout the area that all accept Medicaid patients. We believe there should be as few barriers as possible when it comes to your oral health. This is especially true for children. Contact our team to schedule an appointment with one of our offices.