[Jenkay]

I need some help with Medicaid!! We live in a very rural town and our new daughter that was just placed with us in November needs braces and oral surgery. The only orthodontists that I can find are at least 80 miles away. I work full time and have another child and they both play sports (they are 5th and 7th grade). Does anyone know of anything I can do?? Any suggestions are welcome! I have already put an email into the local foster group to see if they know anyone and I've asked the local orthodontist if he would take it he said no. I asked Medicaid if I could pay for it and be paid back and they said no. I'm at the end of my rope.

[CaddoRose]

The only thing I would do is contact the local dr again and explain the situation about her being a foster child. Some dr's will say no because they don't want any more medicaid patients, but if they knew the situation they might make an exception. The other reason he wouldn't take her is that he doesn't take mediciad at all, but so many kids in Texas are on the Star health program, it seems unlikely considering you are like me and in a rural area. Don't take the first no for an answer or let the office person decide it either. Sometimes it takes getting to the right person to get the correct answer.

[Jenkay]

The local doctor doesn't take insurance at all you have to pay for it up front and then make your own insurance claim. Medicaid won't do that. I will try calling Medicaid again though. I couldn't even get her a regular doctor in our town we have to drive 25 miles away for that too.

Thanks so much for the suggestion.

[bethy724]

I didn't think Medicaid covered braces - let me know if it does. One other suggestion - some employers let you put a foster child on your insurance - you have to pay for it but it may be worth it - not having to drive 80 miles for care.

[potentialsinglemom]

Originally Posted by bethy724

I didn't think Medicaid covered braces - let me know if it does. One other suggestion - some employers let you put a foster child on your insurance - you have to pay for it but it may be worth it - not having to drive 80 miles for care.

Yes ma'am, it sure does as long as the person is under the age of 21 yrs old.

[bethy724]

YIPPEE!!! Thank you!!!! I've been saving for braces since my son's 1st 2 teeth came in crooked (sp?)

Wow-Thanks again.

[Jenkay]

I've been on the phone with STAR-Dent and I was told that braces are covered for foster kids (ours is still considered foster cause adoption is not final) but then with regular medicaid they have to be medically necessary. My daughter's will be cause she needs the braces to move the teeth to have oral surgery. Anyway I was not able to get a closer dentist but I was able to sign up as her driver and I can get mileage reimbursement for all doctor appointments. They said I am able to do this as long as she is qualified for medicaid. They sure dont make this easy do they??? Oh I can try to get an orthodontist to call in and get on the list but it could take months to become effective.