Dental Providers Offer Little to Smile About

A disturbing article in the Press& Sun-Bulletin seems to echo a disturbing trend regarding Medicare and dental care providers. The Bulletin covers event in and around Binghamton, New York.

The article about the dental options told one man’s experience as follows:

…After showing up for his appointment at Wilson Dental, he was told that his Medicaid HMO dental benefit paid such low reimbursement rates that the private practice would not participate in the plan -- even though the clinic was set up to serve Medicaid patients who were being denied dental treatment elsewhere.

This is such a trend that many patients have severe infections, cavities, and missing teeth. One such patient ended up in the Howard University Hospital Emergency Room. The infection got so overwhelming that the elderly woman became extremely ill and unable to over come the infection had to be hospitalized.

Dentists around the country receive such low reimbursement that many of them have stopped accepting Medicaid patients all together. At this moment there is no foreseeable solution but perhaps in this election year politicians will address the issue after the campaign is over.

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The New York State Medicaid Program Overview

Medicaid is a federally established, state administered program which provides medical coverage to those who cannot afford it. New York state Medicaid helps New Yorkers who have medical expenses they cannot pay for and/or do not have any other type of insurance coverage. There are eligibility requirements that one must meet in order to qualify for Medicaid. These requirements differ from state to state. If you have questions about whether or not you qualify for New York state Medicaid, contact your local Department of Social Services. There, you can learn more about the program, ask any questions you may have and fill out an application.

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