MO Medicaid Matters
Serving Medicaid patients helps improve oral health in your community while creating a steady source of revenue for your practice.
In 2022, reimbursement rates for dental Medicaid increased to 80% of UCR. In some cases, compensating providers more competitively than private dental insurance.
With direct support, simplified resources, and competitive reimbursement rates, becoming a Medicaid provider can benefit both your patients and your practice.
Only 3 out of 10 Missouri dentists accept Medicaid patients.
1 in 8 Missourians rely on Medicaid to access dental care.
2 in 3 nursing home patients in Missouri are covered by Medicaid.
1 in 3 children in Missouri are covered by Medicaid.
2 in 7 people with disabilities in MO are covered by Medicaid.
A Strong Start
Medicaid Mini-Series
Becoming a Medicaid provider may feel overwhelming at first — but our short, 30-minute training modules make the process easier to understand and navigate.
Your Practice, Your Way
Set yourself up for a positive start by reviewing the most profitable ways to incorporate MO Dental Medicaid into your practice.
Meet Your Payors
From Managed Care to Fee-For-Service, gain clarity before credentialing so you know which payors with which to enroll.
Credentialing 101
Review the Dental Medicaid Provider application process and make sure you have everything you need to start credentialing.
Decoding the Codes
Every patient has a path, and a set of ME Code to get you there. Get clarity on ME Codes based on your patients and your practice.
Coding Claims with Confidence
Coding claims means getting paid. Be sure to listen on these tips and tricks so your claims are approved and paid promptly.
Myths Debunked
Common Medicaid Misconceptions
Medicaid dental claims are more profitable than ever. At the same time, more than 1.4 million Missourians rely on Medicaid, creating an opportunity to grow your practice while expanding access to care.
Medicaid Rates are Too Low and I Will Lose Money
Many of the covered procedures underwent a tremendous rate increase, to 80% of usual and customary fees.
Some rates are even higher than some private insurance reimbursement.
View the current reimbursement rates by visiting the MO HealthNet Fee Schedules list and downloading the Dental sheet to find the reimbursement fee for each procedure code.
There is Too Much Administrative Work to Undertake
Actually, many providers prefer to work with MO HealthNet and the Managed Care plans versus other insurances because of the consistency they offer.
You’ll find continuity in what is covered, the process, and in when you will get paid.
The Documentation to Apply is Too Burdensome
The documentation is very similar to other insurance companies.
MO HealthNet has created an Enrollment Guide to assist with the process - outlining what documentation is required for each provider type and how to complete the Provider Enrollment Application.
We have also created an Enrollment Checklist to help expedite the process.
Getting Enrollment Approval Takes Too Long
While it’s true enrollment and credentialing can take time, as noted above, we’re here so you don’t have to go it alone.
Just like taking any new insurance plan at your practice, all dentists who want to provide care to MO HealthNet participants must go through a process, including first enrolling with Missouri Medicaid Audit and Compliance (MMAC).
The good news is that dental applications, if they are complete when submitted, are processed quickly and we can report that MMAC is currently processing dental applications within 10-14 days.
I Will Have to Hire Additional Billing Staff
MO HealthNet can be integrated in to any practice - whether you currently accept other insurances or not - without the need for an additional hire.
A wealth of training and resources from experts right here in Missouri are available to educate providers about what services are covered.
Providers are encouraged to visit the MO HealthNet Education and Training page to enroll in trainings and access resources designed to make Medicaid billing manageable for your current team.
It Isn't Easy to Understand What Coverage Patients Have
Each person who is determined eligible for MO HealthNet is assigned a Medical Eligibility (ME) code. ME codes drive most MO HealthNet benefits. The Provider Resource Guide provides definitions for each ME code.
How do you know what ME Code a participant has? ME codes can be found when checking a participant’s eligibility. Providers can check eligibility on eMOMED or via the interactive voice response (IVR) system by calling 573-751-2896.
See our post, Verifying Patient Eligibility, to learn more about patient coverage and ME codes.
There is No Support to Help Me with the Process
We have real people, easily reachable, who want to help you!
The MCOH Dental Medicaid Facilitator is always here to support you, in addition to MO HealthNet and Managed Care Plans personal support staff.
Medicaid Patients Have a Higher No-Show Rate
Most providers find this to be untrue.
These patients need care and struggle to find a provider in their area. Providing preventative care to adults and children gives them a ‘dental home’ and a greater willingness to return.
I Will Have to Accept All Medicaid Patients
This is a business decision for each provider. Some choose to see only children and others may want to take only a certain number of adult participants through MO HealthNet, thereby leaving room for existing patients.
Real Experiences
Hear From Providers
Watch Drs. Aaron Bumann, Emily Hahn and Ron Wilkerson answer common questions, debunk myths and share how they effectively run their practices and treat Medicaid patients within Missouri’s vulnerable populations. Jessica Emmerich of the MCOH shares the help she provides to doctors for enrollment and other process.
Trusted Resources
Provider Toolkit
Ready to get started with MO Medicaid? Lean on our Provider Toolkit for support at every step.
Find everything you need to get started and maintain practice profitability as you grow.
expert support
MO HealthNet Guides
Find step-by-step guidance on navigating Missouri Medicaid from official state resources.
Helping Patients
Find a Medicaid Provider
Use MO HealthNet’s provider search to find providers accepting Medicaid nearby.
For Managed Care Plans:
Home State Health and Show Me Healthy Kids >
United Healthcare >
DentaQuest >
Here for You at Every Step
Schedule A Session
Medicaid can seem overwhelming, but we're here to help. Your Dental Medicaid Facilitator, Lori Reed, is here to talk about your challenges or questions.
Schedule a one-on-one session below or email Lori at lreed@oralhealthmissouri.org.