Does California Medi-Cal cover braces?
Asked by: Dr. Michele Lindgren III | Last update: March 19, 2025Score: 4.7/5 (71 votes)
Does Medi Cal pay for braces?
It primarily provides orthodontic benefits to children and adolescents under the age of 21. For individuals over 21, Medi-Cal generally does not cover orthodontics unless the treatment is deemed medically necessary, such as for conditions resulting from trauma or congenital issues.
Does Medi Care cover braces?
Medicare won't cover braces, or any orthodontic service, unless you have an underlying medical necessity. In this guide, we'll discuss the rare exceptions for coverage under Medicare, how certain Medicare Advantage plans may cover braces, and alternatives ways you can reduce how much braces cost you.
How to qualify for free braces?
How to Qualify for Free Braces for Kids. If your family has a low income, you may qualify for Medicaid, the Children's Health Insurance Plan (CHIP), or a state-sponsored low-income insurance program. These programs can provide free braces for your children.
How much does it cost to get braces in California?
The average cost of braces in California typically ranges from $3,000 to $10,000, depending on factors such as the type of braces and the complexity of the treatment needed. How much do basic metal braces cost? Basic metal braces typically cost between $3,000 and $5,000 in Los Angeles.
Medi-Cal Has Dental Covered
What is the cheapest option for braces?
Traditional metal braces (the most affordable)
As a result, metal braces are a great option for correcting severe teeth and jaw misalignments. This includes but is not limited to overcrowding, crooked teeth, teeth gaps, protruding teeth, underbites, overbites, and crossbites.
Does dental insurance cover braces in California?
A. Yes, the orthodontic coinsurance benefit is not limited to any particular time frame. If treatment is required beyond 24 months, the dental plan covers services at the orthodontia benefit percentage, subject to deductibles and maximums.
How can I get braces if I can't afford?
- Choose a low-cost option. If you want affordable braces, you probably shouldn't pursue lingual brackets. ...
- Find a dental school clinic. ...
- Ask for a payment plan. ...
- Use your Flexible Spending Account. ...
- Finance your braces. ...
- Explore dental assistance programs.
What age is braces free?
Are braces available on the NHS? Orthodontic treatment is available on the NHS for young people under the age of 18 at no cost, if a dentist feels they need it. NHS orthodontic treatment isn't usually available for adults, but may be approved on a case-by-case basis if needed for health reasons.
How can I get free braces in California?
The Medi‑Cal Dental Program provides free or low‑cost dental services to children and adults who receive Medi‑Cal, California's Medicaid program.
What braces does Medicaid cover?
In general, Medicaid will typically cover braces if they're deemed medically necessary. This means that your teeth must have a severe misalignment that affects your speech, chewing, or overall oral health. Here are some things that might qualify your braces as medically necessary: Severe overbite or underbite.
How to get insurance to cover braces?
Your insurance may require proof that braces are necessary for health reasons, not just to improve your appearance. You may need to provide documentation, like a detailed explanation and images from your dentist, to show why you need braces.
Does medi cal cover dentures?
Dental exams* • X-rays • Teeth cleaning* • Scaling and root planing • Fluoride varnish* • Fillings • Crowns** • Root canals • Tooth removal • Partial and full dentures • Denture relines • Emergency services *Every 12 months if 21 years of age or every 6 months if 21 years of age. **Crowns on molars or premolars (back ...
What does Medi-Cal cover?
Medi-Cal covers most medically necessary care. This includes doctor and dentist appointments, prescription drugs, vision care, family planning, mental health care, and drug or alcohol treatment. Medi-Cal also covers transportation to these services.
How to know if braces are medically necessary?
- Overjet: 9 mm or more.
- Reverse overjet: 3.5 mm or more.
- Anterior and/or posterior crossbite of 3 or more teeth per arch.
- Lateral or anterior open bite: 2 mm or more; of 4 or more teeth per arch.
- Impinging overbite with evidence of occlusal contact into the opposing soft tissue.
Can I get braces if I'm poor?
Not having insurance doesn't mean braces are out of reach. Here are a few options: Affordable dental clinics: Many clinics provide low-cost braces, offering options like payment plans that make treatment accessible even without insurance.
What is the cheapest price for braces?
- Metal braces (traditional braces): $3,000 - 7,000.
- Ceramic braces: $4,000 - 8,000.
- Lingual braces: $8,000 - 10,000.
- Invisalign: $4,000 - 7,400.
What age is too late for braces?
Regardless of your age, you are never too old for orthodontic treatment. Age is rarely a deciding factor for orthodontic treatment. While your orthodontist will consider many variables when developing your customized treatment plan, it can be as successful for adults as it is for adolescents.
What's the cheapest way to straighten teeth?
Clear aligners, traditional metal braces, and payment plans are all affordable options for those looking to straighten their teeth. It is important to consult with a dental professional to determine which option is best for you.
What is the lowest you can pay for braces?
The average cost of braces is $5000. However, the cost can range from $3000 to $10000 depending on the severity of your dental problem and the type of braces you choose. Monthly, it could be anything from $80 to $650.
What is cheaper than braces?
Average cost: $6000
Invisalign has become a popular alternative to traditional braces due to its inconspicuous nature and comparable cost, ranging from $2,000 to $10,000 in the US. Many dental insurance plans cover Invisalign to the same extent as braces, and payment plans are often available.
How much do braces cost in California without insurance?
Speak to a dental or orthodontic professional today to see if braces are the right option for you. How much do braces cost per month without insurance in San Jose CA? The total average cost of braces without insurance in San Jose CA can be anywhere from $5,500 to $10,000.
Can insurance fully cover braces?
Traditional metal braces are commonly covered by dental insurance plans, although the amount of coverage can vary. Other types of braces, such as ceramic braces, lingual braces, and clear aligners like Invisalign, may also be covered by some insurance plans, but coverage levels may differ.
How to get free braces with Medicaid?
Braces will only be covered by Medicaid if they're considered medically necessary. The requirements differ from state to state (see the next section). In general, though, braces are more likely to be considered necessary in cases of: Severe overbites, underbites, and other malocclusions.