At Rio Dental & Orthodontics we believe it’s extremely important that everyone understands the importance of good oral health that begins with the fundamentals – daily brushing and flossing at home. But home hygiene, important as it is, is only the beginning. It’s equally important to have regular cleanings and checkups to detect minor dental issues before they become major issues.
Unfortunately, because of limited incomes and financial concerns, many Texas families put off getting the proper professional dental care they need, and this neglect can eventually have serious consequences.
For example, poor oral health has been linked to serious health issues like endocarditis, an infection of the inner lining of your heart, as well as to pneumonia and other respiratory issues caused by bacteria from your mouth being drawn into your lungs.
Medicaid and CHIP
The good news is that in Texas and other states families with limited incomes can get the basic dental care they need through either Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). In fact, currently, about four million Texans are getting their dental and health care through these programs.
Medicaid
This program passed in 1965 during the presidency of Texan Lyndon Johnson to provide health coverage to families and children living below the federal poverty line (FPL). The program requires states to cover a broad range of services for low-income families, including dental visits.
CHIP
The Children’s Health Insurance Program was enacted in 1997 to expand Medicaid coverage for children in low-income families. Specifically, the purpose of CHIP is to provide coverage for children whose family income is above the FPL, but not high enough to afford a private family health and dental insurance plan.
Working together, Medicaid and CHIP provide general dentistry coverage for low-income children up to 300 percent of the FPL.
Medicaid and CHIP accepted at Rio Dental & Orthodontics
We want our fellow Texas to enjoy the very best dental care possible, which is why our dentists in Fort Worth, Texas accept Medicaid patients or those covered by CHIP. This also reigns true for our clinics in Dallas, Farmers Branch, and Irving. Some of the covered dental services for children include:
- Regular exams
- Dental cleanings
- X-rays
- Fillings
- Tooth extractions
- Fluoride treatment
In addition to preventative care services, some orthodontic services are also available through Medicaid and CHIP for children experiencing serious dental problems requiring correction.
Our dental clinic in Fort Worth also accepts reimbursement from a substantial number of private insurance programs, and also offers family dental savings plans to reduce your out-of-pocket expenses.
As we like to say in our dental office, we never want dollars to stand in the way of you and your children getting the dental care you need. If you’re looking for a state-of-the-art dentist that will accept your dental benefits, you don’t need to look any further than Rio Dental & Orthodontics. We want you and your family to have healthy smiles and urge you to contact us today to schedule an appointment.
Rio Dental & Orthodontics
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