Medicaid and Dental Care

For some on Medicaid, just finding a dentist can be a challenge, By Jessica Alaimo, July 1, 2012, Coshocton Tribune: “You’re at a job interview, so smile. But if you’re missing teeth, you’re less likely to get hired. Ohio’s Medicaid-eligible population largely ignore their dental health, dental professionals say. This means minor problems turn into big problems that frequently end up with the dentist yanking out the problematic tooth. A big part of the problem is access. Just 28 percent of dentists in the state accept Medicaid or one of its managed care plans, according to the Universal Health Care Action Network of Ohio. Dentists say they lose money on Medicaid patients since the reimbursement rate is too low and the paperwork is burdensome. Joan Durben, public assistance administrator for Coshocton County’s Department of Job and Family Services, said most Medicaid patients end up going to a clinic for care…”