New Hampshire is currently trying to entice more dental providers to treat Medicaid patients, the New Hampshire Bulletin reported July 11.
Eight things to know:
1. New Hampshire expanded its Medicaid program to include adult dental benefits in 2022.
2. The first three years of these benefits were funded through federal dollars and $21 million the state earned in a 2022 legal settlement, the New Hampshire Bulletin reported.
3. Beginning in 2025, the state will need about $7.5 million each year to continue funding the program.
4. In addition to continued funding, the program also needs more providers to treat the nearly 85,000 people now eligible for the expanded coverage.
5. Of the nearly 970 dentists and oral surgeons in the state, 163 have opted to participate in the Medicaid program. The state aims to increase this number to 200.
6. New Hampshire Medicaid Director Henry Lipman and Tom Raffio, president and CEO of Northeast Delta Dental, told the New Hampshire Bulletin their top priority is increasing the number of dentists who treat Medicaid patients and patients with disabilities.
7. Mr. Raffio has worked with the state to increase reimbursement for certain dental procedures. Northeast Delta Dental also offered sign-on bonuses and is providing loan repayment for dentists who participate.
8. Tracy Gilman, director of government programs at Northeast Delta Dental, said team members have also visited providers in person to discuss Medicaid participation and answer questions about the program. Ms. Gilman told the New Hampshire Bulletin that claims data shows many providers have taken on more Medicaid patients.