USA - Medicaid dental-care gap widens

Medicaid dental-care gap widens
New clinic doesn't accept Fidelis plan
DIOGENES AGCAOILI JR. / Press & Sun-Bulletin
By Tom WilberPress & Sun-Bulletin
When Ronald Houston saw a dental practice opening in Binghamton to serve Medicaid patients, he expected to receive relief from multiple cavities and loose teeth he couldn't get treated elsewhere.
He was in for a disappointment.
After showing up for his appointment at Wilson Dental, he was told that his Medicaid HMO dental benefit paid such low reimbursement rates that the private practice would not participate in the plan -- even though the clinic was set up to serve Medicaid patients who were being denied dental treatment elsewhere.
Houston's experience represents the latest in an ongoing dilemma in providing dental care for the poor. He is one of about 1,500 people in the area enrolled with the Fidelis HMO, according to state Department of Health information. The state contracts with the company to offer a managed-care dental plan for people with Medicaid..............................

Binghmatom, NY's is fluoridated:NYSCOF