Where to get low-cost dental services

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Massachusetts Law Reform Institute
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This article lists some options to access low-cost dental services in Massachusetts. 

 

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MassHealth

MassHealth covers dental services for both children and adults with MassHealth Standard, CarePlus, CommonHealth or Family Assistance. Only children and youth under 21 are covered for some dental services like orthodontics (braces).

For most people with MassHealth, dental services are provided directly by MassHealth not by your MassHealth managed care plan. Call MassHealth Customer Service to find a participating dentist (800-841-2900) and use your blue MassHealth card at the dentist's office.

But there are two special kinds of MassHealth managed care plans that also cover dental services. If you are 65 or older, and enrolled in a Senior Care Organization (SCO) through MassHealth, the SCO plan will cover your dental services.  If you are an individual with a disability with both MassHealth and Medicare, and enrolled in a  MassHealth One Care plan, the One Care plan will cover your dental services. For more information, call your SCO or One Care plan or check your plan's website to find a dentist.

Apply for MassHealth

MassHealth Dental Program

The Health Connector

ConnectorCare plans do not include dental services. However, adults enrolled in ConnectorCare are generally also eligible for the Health Safety Net for adult dental services only. Individuals can also purchase private dental only plans through the Health Connector. Learn more about ConnectorCare.

The Health Safety Net

The Health Safety Net (HSN) reimburses hospitals and community health centers for providing services to eligible low income individuals.

Many community health centers (CHC) provide dental services. CHCs accept reimbursement from MassHealth, the Health Safety Net, and charge a sliding scale to patients with no other source of reimbursement. Find a community health center near you.

Dental Schools

For people not eligible for MassHealth or HSN or who need dental services MassHealth and HSN do not cover, many dental schools offer lower cost dental services.

Massachusetts Dental School Clinics

Boston University School of Dental Medicine - Clinical Services
Harvard School of Dental Medicine - Dental Center
Tufts University School of Dental Medicine - Dental Clinic Services

For more information about health insurance coverage for Massachusetts residents at all income levels contact the Health Care for All Hotline at (800) 272-4323. You will be able to reach counselors fully trained on all the state programs in English, Spanish, Portuguese, and Haitian Creole. 

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