Many Medicaid dentists in Texas are suffering through some of their most difficult times as a dentist due to a myriad of issues, according to a March 3 report by Texas Dentists for Medicaid Reform.
Largely due to staffing shortages, high inflation rates and stagnant reimbursement rates, dental practices throughout the state, including many in rural areas, are being forced to close.
Here are some of the biggest problems and issues that Medicaid dentists in Texas are currently up against:
- There are a few major factors that have led to a lack of qualified and available staff members, including the lasting impact of COVID-19, fewer trained dental hygienists and assistants entering the workforce, increased competition and compensation for the staff members who are available, and individuals in the dental workforce leaving the industry.
- The end of continuous coverage for Medicaid beneficiaries has also had a large impact. Approximately 65% of iTexas Medicaid enrollees who underwent the redetermination process have been removed, which is the highest rate out of any state, according to KFF data cited in the report.
- The increased rate of inflation and supply costs are severely affecting Medicaid dentists in Texas, as nonlabor costs for essential supplies like PPE have jumped significantly. Many dentists on Medicaid are struggling to deal with these increased costs in combination with low reimbursement rates.
- Medicare fee reimbursement for dental care in Texas has not been increased in over 15 years, and has actually seen a 2% reduction since 2007.