Published: 3/31/2023 11:13:26 AM
Modified: 3/31/2023 11:11:52 AM
A dental clinic for adult Medicaid recipients will be held in Concord on Saturday, April 1, as part of the launch of a program giving dental insurance to adults who have insurance through New Hampshire Medicaid.
Under the New Hampshire Smiles Program, people ages 21 and older with full benefits under Medicaid, the federal health-insurance program for lower-income residents, will automatically be enrolled in the program and will receive an ID card from DentaQuest in the coming weeks. NorthEast Delta Dental, in partnership with DentaQuest, was chosen by the state to provide dental services under the new program.
Covered services will include X-rays and examinations, cleanings, fillings, limited gum-related treatment, tooth extractions and other oral surgeries, and other appropriate general services such as anesthesia. Coverage is also provided for transportation to dental appointments and support for member oral health through care management.
The new program is the result of legislation created last summer and signed by Gov. Chris Sununu. “After years of debate, I am thrilled to see this bipartisan legislation take effect to provide dental benefits for our most vulnerable populations,” Sununu said in a prepared statement.
It comes into effect as the state legislature appears likely to make permanent an expansion of other Medicaid benefits for adults.
Individuals who qualify for Medicaid under the Developmental Disability (DD) Waiver, Acquired Brain Disorder (ABD) Waiver, and the Choices for Independence (CFI) Waiver, and residents of skilled nursing facilities will have coverage for removable partial and full dentures. The program has a yearly benefit limit and, for qualifying members, cost-sharing on non-preventative and non-diagnostic services.
The Children’s Dental benefit remains in the Medicaid Fee for Service benefit for people under age 21.
To kick off the program, two mobile dental clinics for Medicaid recipients ages 21 and older will be held Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. One will be at Northeast Delta Dental, 2 Delta Drive in Concord, and the other at Upper Connecticut Valley Hospital in Colebrook.
Individuals who wish to schedule an appointment can call 1-877-248-6684. Enrolled members of the program can call 844-583-6151, TTY 800-466-7566, starting April 1 to learn more about their benefits.
For more information and updates on the New Hampshire Smiles Program, visit https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/programs-services/medicaid/medicaid-dental-services-new-hampshire-smiles-program-adults.