Does Medicaid Cover Wisdom Teeth Removal In Nc
Wisdom teeth removal is a common dental procedure that many people undergo in their late teens or early twenties. The procedure can be quite costly, and for those who cannot afford it, Medicaid can be a lifesaver. If you are living in North Carolina and wondering whether Medicaid covers wisdom teeth removal, then you are in the right place. In this article, we will explore the coverage provided by Medicaid for wisdom teeth removal in NC.
What is Medicaid?
Medicaid is a government-funded healthcare program that provides medical assistance to low-income individuals and families. The program is jointly funded by the federal government and individual states, with each state having its own set of eligibility requirements and covered services. In North Carolina, Medicaid is administered by the North Carolina Division of Medical Assistance (DMA).
Does Medicaid Cover Wisdom Teeth Removal in NC?
The short answer is yes, Medicaid does cover wisdom teeth removal in NC. However, there are certain conditions that must be met in order for the procedure to be covered. First and foremost, the procedure must be deemed medically necessary by a licensed dentist or oral surgeon. This means that the wisdom teeth are causing pain, infection, or other issues that could negatively impact the patient's overall health.
Additionally, the procedure must be performed by a Medicaid-approved dentist or oral surgeon. If you choose to go to a dentist or oral surgeon who is not enrolled in the Medicaid program, then the procedure will not be covered.
What Does Medicaid Cover for Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Medicaid covers a wide range of dental services, but the coverage for wisdom teeth removal is limited. Specifically, Medicaid will cover the surgical removal of impacted wisdom teeth, which are teeth that have not fully erupted and are causing pain or other issues. However, if the wisdom teeth have fully erupted and are not causing any problems, then the procedure will not be covered.
It is important to note that Medicaid will only cover the cost of the procedure itself. Any additional costs, such as anesthesia or follow-up visits, may not be covered and will need to be paid for out of pocket.
How to Find a Medicaid-Approved Dentist or Oral Surgeon
If you are a Medicaid beneficiary in North Carolina and need to have your wisdom teeth removed, then you will need to find a Medicaid-approved dentist or oral surgeon. The easiest way to do this is to visit the DMA's website and use their provider search tool. This tool allows you to search for Medicaid-approved providers in your area, including dentists and oral surgeons who perform wisdom teeth removal.
Alternatively, you can call the DMA's customer service line and ask for a list of Medicaid-approved providers in your area.
Conclusion
If you are a Medicaid beneficiary in North Carolina and need to have your wisdom teeth removed, then you can rest assured that the procedure will be covered if it is deemed medically necessary by a licensed dentist or oral surgeon. However, it is important to remember that the coverage for wisdom teeth removal is limited, and any additional costs may not be covered. To ensure that the procedure is covered and that you are not left with a hefty bill, be sure to choose a Medicaid-approved dentist or oral surgeon.