New WY Medicaid Program Ups Dental Coverage

By Kristin Espeland

Laramie, WY – A new Medicaid program will cover more preventive dental care for eligible Wyomingites. But the program depends on participating dentists. State dentist Grant Christensen says most Wyoming dentists participate in a dental care progtram for kids from families with low incomes. But signing up enough dentists to treat adults on Medicaid could be a challenge because Medicaid reimburses dentists at a lower rate than standard insurance. Previously, Christensen says Medicaid recipients received coverage only for emergency tooth extractions. Under the new program, eligible Wyomingites can receive up to $400 a year for preventive care such as cleaning and filling cavities.