Arkansas Blog: For better teeth

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For better teeth

Good news for poor kids with cavities. And other tooth problems.

The feds have approved an increase in the Medicaid reimbursement rate to Arkansas dentists. Medicaid will now pay 95 percent of the amount reimbursed by the private Delta Dental Premier plan, which amounts to an increase over previous Medicaid reimbursements of 48 percent and likely means many more dentists will participate. More dental services will also qualify for reimbursement.

Posted by Max Brantley on September 14, 2006 02:52 PM | Permalink

Comments

As I understand it, Medicaid was still paying dentists at the same pay rate they were paying 10 years ago, and the number of Arkansas dentists taking Medicaid patients was down to about 10%, with the program on the verge of collapse. Now, more dentists are likely to accept Medicaid, meaning that this is indeed good news for poor kids with cavities.

I'm pleasantly surprised the current crop of feds would approve increased government funding of poor kids' healthcare.

Posted by: Spirit | September 14, 2006 03:37 PM

Does anyone know if this helps 75 year old bedfast people with crumbling teeth on regular Medicare? All of her is on Medicare, not just her crumbling teeth.

Posted by: Deathbyinches | September 14, 2006 06:36 PM

Not a minute too soon. Recent study shows that poor dental health can cause a rise in blood sugar that can be lowered by dental care.

With dabetes a near epidemic among the poor this is very important.

Posted by: Well | September 15, 2006 09:17 AM

Dental caries and gum disease are associated with heart disease, another problem for the poor. Too bad adults can't get dental care also.

Posted by: rablib | September 15, 2006 08:32 PM

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