Arkansas Medicaid offers limited dental coverage for adults aged 21 and over. Services that are covered include oral exams, cleanings, fluoride treatments, fillings, and extractions. In some cases, dentures may also be covered. To be eligible for Medicaid dental coverage, adults must meet certain income and resource requirements. They must also be Arkansas residents and U.S. citizens or qualified non-citizens. Dental coverage for adults is an important part of Medicaid, as it helps to ensure that people have access to necessary dental care.
Arkansas Medicaid Dental Coverage for Adults
Arkansas Medicaid provides comprehensive dental coverage to eligible adults aged 21 and older. This coverage includes preventive, basic, and major dental services, such as exams, cleanings, fillings, and root canals. To qualify for Arkansas Medicaid dental coverage, adults must meet certain income and asset limits.
Recommended Steps to Apply for Arkansas Medicaid Dental Coverage
- Determine Eligibility: Check the Arkansas Medicaid eligibility guidelines to see if you meet the income and asset requirements.
- Gather Required Documents: Collect documents proving your identity, income, and assets, such as a driver’s license, Social Security number, pay stubs, and bank statements.
- Apply Online or by Mail: You can apply for Arkansas Medicaid online or by downloading and mailing a paper application. The application is available in English and Spanish.
- Attend an Interview: If your application is approved, you may be required to attend an interview to verify your information.
- Receive Approval: Once your application is processed, you will receive a Medicaid ID card in the mail. This card will allow you to access dental and other covered healthcare services.
- Basic preventive services:
- Regular checkups
- Cleanings
- Fluoride treatments
- Sealants
- X-rays
- Restorative services:
- Fillings
- Crowns
- Bridges
- Dentures
- Root canals
- Oral surgery:
- Extractions
- Impacted teeth removal
- Jaw surgery
- Cosmetic procedures (e.g., teeth whitening, veneers)
- Orthodontic treatment (braces, Invisalign)
- Dental implants
- Services provided by out-of-network dentists (unless it’s an emergency)
- Find a Medicaid-participating dentist:
- Contact the dentist’s office to schedule an appointment:
- Bring your Medicaid card and a photo ID to your appointment:
- Be a resident of Arkansas.
- Be age 21 or older.
- Have a household income at or below 138% of the federal poverty level.
- Be a US citizen or have qualified alien status.
- Exams and cleanings
- X-rays
- Fillings
- Root canals
- Crowns
- Dentures
- Oral surgery
- Dental services are only covered if they are medically necessary.
- There is a lifetime limit of $1,500 for dental services.
- Some services, such as cosmetic dentistry, are not covered.
After getting approved for Arkansas Medicaid dental coverage, you can look for a dentist who accepts Medicaid patients. You can find a list of participating dentists on the Medicaid managed care directory. When visiting the dentist, bring your Medicaid ID card and any other required documentation.
| Service | Covered |
|---|---|
| Exams and cleanings | Every six months |
| Fillings | As needed |
| Root canals | As needed |
| Extractions | As needed |
| Dentures | Once every five years |
Arkansas Medicaid Dental Coverage for Adults
Understanding dental coverage under Arkansas Medicaid for adults can be confusing, so here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the program’s benefits and limitations:
Covered Dental Services
Note: Emergency dental services are also covered, such as pain relief, antibiotics, and treatment for infections.
Excluded Dental Services
Note: Some services may be covered under certain circumstances or with prior authorization. Contact your local Medicaid office or your dentist for more information.
How to Access Dental Care with Arkansas Medicaid
You can find a list of participating dentists on the Arkansas Medicaid website or by calling the Medicaid office.
Be sure to tell the office that you have Arkansas Medicaid.
The dentist’s office will verify your eligibility and file a claim with Medicaid.
Additional Resources:
| Resource | Description | Contact Information |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas Medicaid Website | Contains information on eligibility, benefits, and participating providers | https://www.medicaid.gov/arkansas |
| Arkansas Medicaid Call Center | Available to answer questions and provide assistance | 1-800-987-7777 |
Eligibility
To be eligible for adult dental coverage under Arkansas Medicaid, you must meet the following requirements:
Benefits
Arkansas Medicaid covers a wide range of dental services for adults, including:
Limitations and Dental Care Restrictions for Adults
There are some limitations and restrictions on dental care for adults covered by Arkansas Medicaid. These include:
| Service | Covered | Not Covered |
|---|---|---|
| Exams and cleanings | Yes | No |
| X-rays | Yes | No |
| Fillings | Yes | No |
| Root canals | Yes | No |
| Crowns | Yes | No |
| Dentures | Yes | No |
| Oral surgery | Yes | No |
| Cosmetic dentistry | No | Yes |
Thanks for taking the time to read this article about Arkansas Medicaid coverage for adult dental care. I hope you found the information helpful. If you have any other questions about Medicaid or dental coverage, please feel free to leave a comment below. I’ll try my best to answer them promptly. Be sure to check back again soon for more updates and information on Arkansas Medicaid and other health-related topics. In the meantime, take care and keep smiling!