Does Medicaid cover dental care for adults?

It depends on your state. Medicaid covers dental care for adults in some states, but many states limit or exclude adult dental benefits. Even in states that do cover dental care, the coverage may be basic and limited to essential services.

The rule

Medicaid is run by each state with federal funding, so dental coverage rules differ from state to state. Some states cover routine dental care like cleanings and exams. Others only cover emergency dental care, like treatment for pain or infection. Many states cover neither.

Your state's Medicaid program decides what dental services to include. The federal government does not require states to cover adult dental care.

Exceptions

A few states offer more generous dental coverage than others. Some cover preventive care (cleanings and exams), basic care (fillings), and sometimes major care (crowns and root canals). But these are exceptions. Most states cover very little or nothing for adults.

If you qualify for Medicaid because you have a disability or are over 65, your state may offer different dental coverage than for other adults.

What to do next

Check your state's Medicaid program website to see what dental services are covered. You can also call your state Medicaid agency or visit Medicaid.gov to find your state's program.

If you don't have Medicaid yet, you can check if you qualify. Medicaid is free or low-cost health coverage. You can apply at any time of year through your state Medicaid agency or through HealthCare.gov.