Medicaid is a health care program for people and families with low incomes. It might seem hard to find a dentist in your area who takes Medicaid, but you can quickly find one if you know what to look for and how to look for it.
Both the states and the federal government support it. There may be some dentists who won’t take Medicaid, but most do. Here are some things to keep in mind if you want to find dental offices that accept Medicaid in your area.
Top Tips to Find Dental Offices That Accept Medicaid
- Start by checking the Medicaid website:
To find a dentist who takes Medicaid, visit your state’s Medicaid website. All states have directories for dentists and other medical workers who take Medicaid. You can also determine if any doctors in the area are engaged in the program.
- Call dental offices:
You can call dental offices that accept Medicaid to find out about services and payment options. Make a list of possible dentists who take Medicaid and call their offices. Find out if they accept Medicaid or are currently taking on new patients. Ask about their services, when they’re open, and if any extra fees might apply.
- Ask for recommendations:
If you know someone who gets Medicaid and has been happy with their dentist, you should ask for a reference. It’s easy to find a reliable dentist through suggestions from other people. Talk to your primary care doctor or go to the health center in your area for more ideas.
- Contact local dental schools:
For dental care, you should contact a dentistry school in your area. Many of these schools have offices where students can work with real dentists watching over them. Because they take Medicaid, these clinics may be more reasonable for people on a tight budget.
- Use online resources:
Use one of the many websites to find a dentist who takes Medicaid. You can look for doctors who take your insurance on sites like Yelp, Healthgrades, and Zocdoc. In one of such places you can find is Westgreen Dental & Orthodontics. You can learn more about their service by reading what other clients say.
- Visit the dentist’s office:
If you can, visit the dentist’s office for an appointment or checkup to see if they fit your needs. Check out how the dentist treats patients, how clean the office is, and how friendly the staff is. It’s important to feel comfortable and confident in your dentist’s skills.
- Check with your Medicaid-managed care plan:
People with Medicaid-managed care plans should call their insurance company to determine which doctors accept them. It will help you narrow your search and get the most out of the perks out there for you. Also, the insurance providers can help you settle your medical bills as soon as possible.
You should put in the time and effort to find a dentist who takes Medicaid so you can get the care you need. By following these steps, you should be able to find dental offices that accept Medicaid and are willing to take it.
Don’t be afraid to call the state Medicaid office or your local community services if you need help finding a dentist in your area who takes Medicaid. You can read our blogs to learn more about dentists accepting Medicaid and other information related to it.