FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 11, 2016

Missouri receives federal approval to expand Medicaid dental services to eligible adults

Expansion approved by Missouri General Assembly in 2015, will continue in 2017 under recently signed state budget

Jefferson City, MO—The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has approved the Missouri Department of Social Services' plan to expand Medicaid coverage of dental services for approximately 282,000 adult participants. Dental care providers that have provided services to eligible Medicaid participants will be paid for those services administered since January 1, 2016.

"Good dental health plays a critical role in overall health," said Joe Parks, M.D., director, MO HealthNet Division, the state's Medicaid agency. "Providing coverage for needed dental services and preventive care means many people will have better dental health and enjoy healthier lives."

Gov. Jay Nixon announced in January that the Missouri Department of Revenue's collection from delinquent taxpayers under House Bill 384 would fund the expansion of dental services for Fiscal Year 2016. The Governor's budget recommendations for Fiscal Year 2017 included funding dental services for adults; the House and Senate approved that recommendation.

Expanded coverage of dental services for adults in Missouri includes preventive services, restorative services, periodontal treatment, oral surgery, extractions, radiographs, pain evaluation and relief, infection control, and general anesthesia.  Previously, coverage of dental services was limited to trauma of the mouth, jaw, or teeth as a result of injury or medical condition. Dental coverage has been and continues to be available for children enrolled in Missouri's CHIP and Medicaid programs.

A list of dentists and dental hygienists currently authorized to accept Medicaid participants can be found here https://apps.dss.mo.gov/fmsMedicaidProviderSearch/

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