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The Department of Human Services (DHS) dental insurance program is designed to provide affordable dental care to eligible individuals and families.
Eligibility for the program varies by state and is typically based on income, family size, and other factors.
To be eligible, applicants must meet the program's income guidelines, which are adjusted annually for inflation.
The program offers a range of services, including routine cleanings, fillings, and extractions, to help maintain good oral health.
Some services may require a copayment, which can range from $10 to $50 per visit, depending on the service and the individual's income level.
Overall, the DHS dental insurance program aims to provide essential dental care to those who need it most.
Eligibility and Program Details
To get dental care through DHS, you need to check your eligibility category, age, and need. Your eligibility depends on your income, assets, and other factors, so it's essential to apply for Medical Assistance to see if you qualify.
You can find out if you're covered for dental care by calling your county assistance office or contacting your HealthChoices - Managed Care Organization (MCO).
To apply for Medical Assistance, you can choose from a few ways, but the specifics aren't mentioned in the article.
There are different levels of coverage for adults and children. Children enrolled in Medical Assistance are eligible for all medically necessary dental services, including teeth cleaning, x-rays, and cavity fillings.
Adults enrolled in MA are eligible at a minimum for surgical procedures and emergency services related to treatment for symptoms and pain. Some adults may be eligible for other dental services.
To see a full list of your covered services, you can download your Member Handbook.
Dental Care and Services
Children covered by the All Kids Program are eligible for a range of dental services. These services include exams, crowns, extractions, cleanings, fluoride, fillings, root canals, sealants, and X-rays.
Regular check-ups are crucial for maintaining good oral health. Children should see a dentist every 6 months for check-ups, even if they are not having any problems or pain.
Some of the covered services for children include:
- exams (check-ups)
- crowns (caps)
- extractions (pulling)
- cleanings
- fluoride
- fillings
- root canals
- sealants
- X-rays
Plan and Benefits
You qualify for dental insurance through DHS based on your family's income, and it covers many routine and preventive dental care costs. You're entitled to dental services that help ensure healthy teeth and a beautiful smile.
Your dental coverage includes a list of covered services, which you can find by downloading your Member Handbook. Routine and preventive services are covered, but some services may require prior authorization.
You should visit the dentist twice a year for primary dental care, and there are resources available to help you care for your teeth and visit the dentist regularly.
How Often Should I See the Dentist?
Seeing the dentist regularly is crucial for maintaining good oral health. Recipients eligible for primary dental care should see the dentist twice a year.
This frequency helps prevent problems from arising, making it easier to catch any issues before they become serious.
Plan
You can see any dentist that is enrolled with Medical Assistance and will accept your MA Access card.
The Dental Wellness Plan has an annual benefit maximum, and there are certain services that are excluded from coverage. These excluded services can be found in the Comm711 resource.
You can find a list of dental services that require prior authorization in the Comm710 resource. This is important to ensure you get the care you need.
The Dental Wellness Plan covers a range of services, including those listed in the Comm712 resource. This is a great resource to refer to when you're trying to understand what's covered.
If you need help finding a dentist that accepts Medical Assistance, you can visit www/enrollnow.net or contact the Medical Assistance Call Center at 1-800-537-8862.
Program Benefits
You're entitled to dental services that help ensure healthy teeth and a beautiful smile.
Arkansas Medicaid and CHIP covers many of the costs of routine and preventive dental care, which is a huge help for families with lower incomes.
You qualify for these benefits based on your family's income, so be sure to check your eligibility.
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Routine and preventive dental care is covered, which includes services like cleanings and check-ups.
There are even more preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic covered services available, but you'll need to download your Member Handbook to see the full list.
This coverage can make a big difference in maintaining good oral health and preventing costly dental problems down the line.
Rights and Responsibilities
You have certain rights and responsibilities when it comes to your dental care. You have the right to be treated with respect.
You also have the right to receive needed dental services. This means you should get the care you need to keep your teeth and mouth healthy.
You have the right to privacy and confidentiality, as stated by law. This means your personal information will be kept safe and secure.
You have the right to receive information about your dental healthcare and treatment options. This will help you make informed decisions about your care. You can also help make choices about your dental care.
If you're not satisfied with your care, you can file a complaint by calling DentaQuest at 1-888-286-2447 or TTY 1-800-466-7566 or the HFS Health Benefits Hotline at 1-800-226-0768.
Rights and Responsibilities
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If you experience a dental emergency, it's essential to act quickly. Call your dentist right away to get immediate attention.
Your dentist will ask you questions about your pain level and the problem you're experiencing. They'll do their best to see you as soon as possible, but if not, they may offer temporary relief for your pain.
You can also see a dentist in the HFS Dental Program for emergencies if needed. They'll help you get the care you require.
If you're unsure about finding a dentist, you can call DentaQuest 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-888-286-2447 or TTY 1-800-466-7566 for assistance.
Member Handbooks
Member handbooks are a crucial resource for understanding the rights and responsibilities of being a member. They provide a comprehensive guide to the rules and regulations of the organization.
A member handbook typically outlines the membership requirements, including the process for joining and maintaining membership. It's essential to review this section carefully to ensure you understand what's expected of you.
The handbook may also specify the rights and privileges of members, such as voting rights, access to exclusive events, and discounts on services. Members should be aware of these benefits to make the most of their membership.
Member handbooks often include information on how to resolve conflicts or disputes within the organization. This section may provide guidance on the steps to take and the procedures to follow.
What Are My Rights and Responsibilities?
When you receive government dental benefits, it's essential to understand your rights and responsibilities. You have the right to be treated with respect.
As a recipient of government dental benefits, you're entitled to receive needed dental services. This includes routine check-ups, cleanings, and any necessary treatments.
Your dental benefits come with certain guarantees, such as privacy and confidentiality, as stated by law. This means your personal information will be kept safe and secure.
You also have the right to receive information about your dental healthcare and treatment options. This includes discussing your treatment plan with your dentist and understanding the costs involved.
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You play an active role in your dental care, and you have the right to help make choices about your treatment. This is your healthcare, after all!
If you're not satisfied with your dental care or have concerns, you can file a complaint by calling DentaQuest at 1-888-286-2447 or TTY 1-800-466-7566 or the HFS Health Benefits Hotline at 1-800-226-0768.
Here are your key rights and responsibilities in a nutshell:
- Be treated with respect.
- Receive needed dental services.
- Privacy and confidentiality, as stated by law.
- Receive information about your dental healthcare and treatment options.
- Help make choices about your dental care.
- File a complaint by calling one of the above phone numbers.
Medicaid Managed Care
Medicaid Managed Care is a program that allows states to contract with private insurance companies to provide Medicaid services to beneficiaries. This approach can help streamline administration and improve health outcomes.
In 2015, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) began to shift Medicaid towards managed care, with over 90% of Medicaid beneficiaries enrolled in managed care by 2019.
MA Fee-for-Service Program
You can see any dentist that is enrolled with Medical Assistance and will accept your MA Access card. If you need help finding a dentist that accepts Medical Assistance, please visit www/enrollnow.net or contact the Medical Assistance Call Center at 1-800-537-8862.
Changes to Arkansas Medicaid
The Arkansas Medicaid Program is making some changes this fall. The way dental services are paid for will be changing, affecting children and adults covered by Medicaid.
One of the notable changes is that the Arkansas Medicaid Program will change the way dental services are paid for. This change is set to take place this fall.
If you're covered by Arkansas Medicaid, you can learn more about this change in the special message at the beginning of MCNA's Arkansas Member Handbook.
DHS Ends Medicaid Managed Care, Returns to Fee-for-Service
The Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) has made the decision to end its Medicaid managed care dental program. The program, which has been in effect since January 1, 2018, will be replaced by a fee-for-service program.
Beneficiaries who currently receive dental services through the managed care program will continue to be eligible for dental services. However, DHS will take over the administration of the program.
The fee-for-service program is expected to launch on November 1, 2024, and will shift management of the program to the DHS Division of Medical Services (DMS). This change aims to make the program more efficient and effective.
DHS Secretary Kristi Putnam stated that the decision was made after careful consideration of dental service utilization and total program expenditures. She emphasized that the goal is to improve the dental health of Arkansans.
Beneficiaries who are currently receiving dental services through Delta Dental of Arkansas and Managed Care of North America (MCNA) will continue to receive services through these companies until November 1, 2024. After that date, they will be able to see any dentist that is enrolled with Medical Assistance.
If you need help finding a dentist that accepts Medical Assistance, you can visit www.enrollnow.net or contact the Medical Assistance Call Center at 1-800-537-8862.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do government employees get dental insurance?
Government employees may be eligible for supplemental dental benefits through arrangements established by OPM. Check with your agency for details on available dental insurance options.
Sources
- https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dhs/resources/medicaid/dental-services.html
- https://hfs.illinois.gov/info/brochures-and-forms/brochures/dentaquest.html
- https://hhs.iowa.gov/programs/welcome-iowa-medicaid/iowa-medicaid-programs/dental-wellness-plan
- https://www.mcnaar.net/members
- https://talkbusiness.net/2024/06/dhs-to-end-medicaid-managed-care-dental-program-return-to-fee-for-service/
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