One of the most often asked questions about Medi-Cal is whether there is dental coverage for kids. In this post, we will provide details about Medi-Cal Dental Benefits for Kids, including what is covered. Find out who is eligible, how to find a Medi-Cal dentist, and if there is a yearly maximum on services available to kids.
Table of Contents:
- Does Medi-Cal cover Dental Benefits for Kids?
- Do I qualify for Medi‑Cal dental services?
- What Dental Services are covered for Kids?
- What is the yearly limit to Medi-Cal dental?
- How can I find a Medi-Cal Dentist
Does Medi-Cal cover Dental Benefits for Kids?
Yes, Medi-Cal covers a wide range of dental services for kids. This benefit is included with your Medi-Cal coverage at little to no cost to you.
Do I qualify for Medi‑Cal dental services?
The Medi‑Cal program offers a variety of benefits to members including covered dental services.
To receive dental coverage through Medi‑Cal, you must be eligible for Medi-Cal.
Your Medi-Cal eligibility determines the types of benefits you have access to through Medi‑Cal.
However, you do not need to apply separately for dental coverage because it is a part of the Medi‑Cal program.
To apply for Medi-Cal, see our post on Medi-Cal application.
For details on Medi-Cal dental program for adults, see our Medi-Cal Dental Guide.
What Dental Services are covered for Kids?
Below is a list of Dental Services covered by Medi-Cal for kids based on age:
Kids 5-12
The Medi-Cal Dental Program provides the following free or low-cost services for kids:
- Dental exams (every 6 months)
- X-rays
- Teeth cleaning (every 6 months)
- Fluoride varnish (every 6 months)
- Molar sealants
- Fillings
- Root canals
- Tooth removal
- Emergency services
- Outpatient services
- Sedation (if medically necessary)
Teens 13-17
The Medi‑Cal Dental Program provides the following free or low-cost services for teens:
- Dental exams (every 6 months)
- X-rays
- Fluoride varnish (every 6 months)
- Molar sealants
- Teeth cleaning (every 6 months)
- Orthodontics (braces) for those who qualify
- Fillings
- Crowns (Crowns on molars or premolars (back teeth) may be covered in some cases)
- Root canals
- Partial and full dentures
- Scaling and root planing
- Tooth removal
- Emergency services
- Outpatient services
- Sedation (if medically necessary)
What is the yearly limit to Medi-Cal dental?
Great news, kids are covered and there is no annual maximum for covered dental service.
Also, adults who live in a nursing facility also have no maximum.
However, for adults 21 years of age or older, there is no limit for medically necessary treatments but for other services, there is an $1800 maximum per year of benefits.
How can I find a Medi-Cal Dentist?
You can find a dentist by visiting the Medi‑Cal Dental provider website, or you can call the Telephone Service Center Phone Line at 1‑800‑322‑6384.
- Smile, California website – Medi-Cal Dental Materials: https://smilecalifornia.org/members/ ; here you will find all brochures/flyers available in threshold languages
- Smile, California in Spanish: https://sonriecalifornia.org/
- Smile, California video/messages: https://smilecalifornia.org/videos/
Can Adults Get Dental Benefits under Medi-Cal?
Yes, the video below explains the range of Medi-Cal dental coverage for adults.
Medi-Cal Dental Benefits for Kids Summary
We hope this post on Medi-Cal Dental Benefits for Kids was helpful.
Questions?
If you have further questions about Medi-Cal, please let us know in the comments section below.
Be sure to check out our other articles about Medi-Cal and California Medicaid program, including:
