What braces does Medicaid cover?
Asked by: Dr. Lori Hudson IV | Last update: April 2, 2025Score: 4.9/5 (22 votes)
Will Medicaid help pay for braces?
Medicaid typically covers a range of orthodontic procedures, providing assistance to eligible individuals for improving their dental health. Common procedures covered by Medicaid include braces and retainers. However, Medicaid does not extend coverage for orthodontic treatment for cosmetic purposes.
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 long does it take for Medicaid to approve braces?
Once the necessary paperwork is completed and submitted to Medicaid, it is reviewed by a Claims Processor. The review process usually takes two weeks or less. Following the review, the orthodontic office will notify the family of the decision. Simultaneously, Medicaid will send the results by mail to the insured party.
What does Medicare cover for braces?
Medicare Part B covers orthodontic care when it is determined to be medically necessary, such as correcting misaligned teeth that interfere with eating or talking. In this case, the cost of your braces will likely be covered by Medicare Part B.
Does Medicaid Cover Braces? - CountyOffice.org
Will insurance pay for my 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.
What can cover the cost of braces?
Typically, insurance will cover a percentage of the treatment cost or provide a fixed benefit amount. Contacting your insurance provider can help you determine the percentage covered, any lifetime maximums or age limits for orthodontic coverage, and whether your orthodontist needs to be in-network.
What to do if Medicaid denies braces?
But if you think that you are incorrectly denied, you can always first confirm the limits by your state, understand how medicaid actually counts your income and then you may at any time request a reversal. It is always best to discuss your case with a certified Medicaid planning professional.
What is the waiting list for braces?
The current waiting time for NHS braces is around two years. This means if your child is added to the waiting list when they are 16 or over, they run the risk of ageing out of eligibility. Waiting times can vary between areas, as some areas will have more NHS orthodontists offering treatment than in other areas.
Is Invisalign cheaper than braces?
The cost to get Invisalign is comparable to braces. Braces run an average of $1,800 to $5,500. Invisalign averages between $3,000 to $5,000. However, remember that only your orthodontist will be able to determine what the cost of treatment will be.
How can I get braces if I have no money?
Some nonprofit organizations partner with orthodontists to provide braces to individuals who cannot afford them. Programs like Smiles Change Lives focus on helping low-income families access orthodontic care. Eligibility typically depends on income level and other criteria.
What happens if you can't afford braces?
Talk with your orthodontist about setting up a payment plan to help spread the cost out over a longer period of time. Other options are the use of an FSA (Flexible Spending Account) or an HSA (Health Savings Account) to help afford orthodontic procedures, such as metal braces or Invisalign.
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.
Does Medicaid cover LASIK?
The most common reason people choose to have LASIK eye surgery is so they will no longer have to wear glasses or contact lenses to correct vision problems. Because this is considered cosmetic, or elective surgery, Medicare or Medicaid does not offer coverage for the procedure.
What type of braces are best for adults?
For adults, clear aligners like Invisalign are a popular choice due to their discreet appearance and convenience. Lingual braces, placed behind the teeth, offer a hidden option. Traditional metal braces are effective for complex cases.
What age can you get braces for free?
Many times, Medicaid covers dental care and orthodontic services, like braces, when they are deemed medically necessary for your child. Medicaid will typically cover children 21 and under with orthodontic needs, that are deemed medically necessary.
Why do people get denied for braces?
2. Orthodontics. When it comes to orthodontic treatment, many payers deny coverage due to the cost and complexity of the procedure. Orthodontic treatment is often considered cosmetic in nature, and many insurance plans do not provide coverage for it.
What are Grade 4 teeth for braces?
Grade 4 issues include: Upper teeth protruding more than 6mm, lower teeth protruding 3.5mm, having extra teeth and more seriously misalignment. Grade 5 is classified as the most serious problems and includes missing teeth, overcrowding that prevents the growth of teeth and severely protruding teeth.
Will Medicaid cover the cost of braces?
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.
Who is not eligible for braces?
If you have gum disease, missing teeth or periodontitis, it may not be advisable to have braces. Mild cases of gum disease can be treated, but it's best to book in with your orthodontist to find out more about this and how they can help, as well as any changes you need to do.
What disqualifies you from Medicaid?
In general, a single person must have no more than $2,000 in cash assets to qualify. If you're over 65, the requirements are more complex. Whatever your age, there are strict rules about asset transfers. Medicaid may take into consideration any gifts or transfers of cash you've made recently.
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 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.
Can insurance fully cover braces?
Yes, but it could be more difficult to find dental insurance coverage for adult braces. Many dental plans restrict orthodontic coverage to patients under the age of 19. If you do find insurance coverage for adult braces, check for limitations such as a yearly or lifetime maximum benefit.