KanCare, the Kansas Medicaid program, plays a crucial role in providing reliable dental services to individuals who struggle to afford care. Medicaid has long provided dental care for children, but until recently dental benefits for adults were limited to extraction only.
Improving Dental Coverage for Adults
In 2022, Kansas legislators made Medicaid dental care available to adults. The list of covered services has grown since 2022, and now adults enrolled in Medicaid have coverage for a comprehensive set of dental benefits without an annual benefit maximum.
Adults’ Access to Comprehensive Dental Services
KanCare now covers:
- Examinations and X-rays – Check-ups and imaging to assess oral health.
- Cleanings – Professional cleaning to prevent cavities.
- Fillings and Crowns – Restorative procedures for damaged teeth.
- Silver Diamine Fluoride – Treatment to stop cavities from worsening.
- Periodontal Care – Gum disease treatment.
- Dentures and Partials – Replacement for missing teeth, covered every five years.
Aside from the five-year cycle for new dentures, these services have no annual coverage limit. In addition, Medicaid covers non-emergency medical transportation to and from dental visits.
Overcoming Barriers to Access
Expanded benefits are helpful, but access implies more than just insurance coverage. Many people still struggle to find providers who accept KanCare, particularly in rural areas. In fact, 41 of the state’s 105 counties do not have a dentist participating in the Medicaid program. Growing the network of KanCare providers is vital to ensure that all eligible individuals receive care.
The Importance of Medicaid in Oral Health
Dental care through Medicaid helps individuals maintain employment and improve their quality of life. Without proper oral health care, dental issues can lead to or worsen other health concerns, including diabetes, heart disease, and pneumonia. Maintaining this coverage is key to better health for thousands of Kansans.
Conclusion
KanCare’s inclusion of dental benefits for adults who qualify is a major step forward in making oral health care accessible for Kansans with limited resources. Supporting and growing these efforts will help ensure more people receive the treatment they need.
For more resources visit Pathways To Oral Health.
