Does Medicaid Cover The Cost Of Orthodontic Care?

Orthodontic care is not an inexpensive thing. Most people who are already finding themselves on a fixed income can’t even imagine having the resources to provide braces for their child. There are some dental insurance plans that will aid in the cost of paying for braces and other orthodontic care needs. If you don’t have dental insurance, but are on Medicaid, you may be asking yourself “does Medicaid cover braces?”. The answer to that question is both, yes and no.

The average cost of braces is anywhere from $3000 to $8000 depending on the orthodontist and the complexity of the treatment needed. The median price usually is about $5000. Not many are finding the disposable income to afford care. If you are already on Medicaid you may be surprised to find that it will, in some cases, pay for the cost of braces. Having braces isn’t always just about the aesthetics of your smile. Braces are often times a necessity for preventative dental health. There are often times when a malignant of the jaw, or teeth, can cause damage to an individual which can set them on a course for a host of medical conditions. If you are wondering whether Medicaid will pay for braces, the answer is yes, if they are needed for medical reasons. Only children could be covered and the case has to be severe and not just cosmetic. When a child comes for a consultation, an orthodontist will advise if he thinks the child will be approved for orthodontic care. At that time, an orthodontist will take x rays and photos and will write a report and send all of these records to Medicaid for a final determination. After that it takes anywhere between 2 to 6 weeks to get the final decision if the case is approved or denied.

When your bite is maligned, it can lead to a host of conditions. Some are less serious such as premature tooth decay, while others can be very detrimental such as TMJ. The severity of the bite correction needed will determine whether Medicaid will cover the cost of your treatment. The best way to assess whether Medicaid will cover the cost of your braces is to have an evaluation done by a professional orthodontist. Often times people will have an examination by their dentist. If you want to make sure to have the best odds of getting it covered under Medicaid, an orthodontist is the best person to make the diagnosis. If you are interested in more information about the potential for Medicaid to pay for your orthodontic care go to www.diamondbraces.com, or call to set up your free evaluation today.