Medicaid is a federal and state public health insurance program for which those who are considered to be low income can apply. Around 1 in 5 Americans is currently covered by the Medicaid program, receiving at least partial coverage for a wide range of health care services. It is one of the main sources of financial coverage for both long-term and short-term medical care in the United States.

Every state provides a varying portion of coverage, with the federal government providing the same portion regardless of state, which means that every person will have some coverage, but the total amount of coverage that is also provided by the state on top of what the federal government is contributing will vary from state to state. The name of the program will also vary from state to state, with some states referring to this program as “Medical Assistance” or “Medi-Cal.”

The eligibility for Medicaid varies by state as well, with the general qualifications including being a resident of the state in which you are applying for the program, being categorized as low income or very low income financially, being a citizen of the United States, or being a lawful permanent resident. Some states will have additional options or limitations for those of particular ages or parenting statuses.

Medicaid does provide coverage for some dental and orthodontic treatments, depending on the eligibility of the patient and the type of treatment that is being offered. In all states, Medicaid provides essential dental and orthodontic coverage for eligible individuals under the age of 21, as early interventions and preventative care are a top priority. Medicaid dental coverage for patients under the age of 21 includes relief for infections or pain, tooth restoration wherever necessary, and general dental health maintenance. Coverage for those who are under 21 years of age is required in every state, but there is no minimum requirement for adults, making it up to each individual state if some coverage will be provided. Most states provide emergency dental services for adults, but only around half of the states provide preventative or comprehensive dental care. The state of New York does provide extensive dental coverage for adults, including preventative care, periodontal care, dentures, and oral surgery services. However, there is no orthodontic coverage for adults residing in New York provided by Medicaid.

Friends Family Dental and Orthodontics does accept Medicaid as coverage for their patients, as it is our top priority to ensure that all patients have access to affordable dental and orthodontic care. We also accept Fidelis, Health First, Affinity, PBA, and United Healthcare. If you have any questions regarding your personal dental or orthodontic insurance coverage, please do not hesitate to contact our knowledgeable staff members to learn more.

Even though every state is required to provide Medicaid to eligible patients for dental services, it is not mandatory for individual dentists to accept coverage for their services from Medicaid, making it sometimes difficult for individuals or parents to find a dentist who accepts their coverage. Friends Family Dental and Orthodontics accepts several major insurance providers as well as Medicaid, ensuring that all eligible children and adults have access to high-quality dental care throughout their lives. Preventative and comprehensive dental care not only protects the oral hygiene of children long-term, but also helps to support their general health and teaches them good oral hygiene habits into adulthood, making it much easier for them to properly care for their teeth and gums.

Looking for a Medicaid dentist in Brooklyn, NY? Visit us for top-quality dental care that goes with your Medicaid coverage. For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We are located at 2120 Ocean Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11229. We look forward to serving you! We serve patients from Brooklyn, NY Manhattan NY, Bronx NY, Hoboken NJ, West New York NJ, and surrounding areas.