Dental benefits provider DentaQuest is limiting the number of additional dentists in its Medicaid network in Texas, according to an Oct. 14 report by Texas Dentists for Medicaid Reform.
Here are seven things to know:
1. As of Oct. 15, DentaQuest is accepting additional Medicaid network applications from general and pediatric dentists on an as-needed basis only.
2. The company stated in a letter that it currently has an adequate network of dentists to meet the needs of its Medicaid patients.
3. The changes affect 72 counties in Texas, which represent 74% of the state’s population and 79% of the state’s children on Medicaid.
4. Additional dentists may only be added to an existing provider’s Medicaid roster if they are replacing a dentist who left the practice within 30 calendar days.
5. DentaQuest will not accept any Medicaid applications from new providers or groups unless the company determines that there is an identified need.
6. Providers who are already part of the Medicaid network may not add any new practices or locations in the 72 counties unless DentaQuest determines that there is a need for it.
7. In September, the Louisiana state legislature delayed the renewal of its Medicaid contract with DentaQuest amid coverage concerns.
Source: DentaQuest limits dental Medicaid network in Texas / Becker’s Dental + DSO Review