The Oregon Health Authority researched why so many dentists in the state do not accept patients on Medicaid, according to an Oct. 13 report by Willamette Week.
Here are five things to know:
1. On average, 55% to 70% of dentists in Oregon do not accept Medicaid patients, depending on the region.
2. The health authority used a $1.6 million federal grant to interview staff who administer the state's Medicaid program, the Oregon Health Plan.
3. State officials said that enrolling in the plan and receiving reimbursements was straightforward, but dentists disagreed, reporting that the process is tedious.
4. Oregon dentists said that it was not clear which services and procedures were covered, and were often unaware that something was not covered until after their Medicaid claim was denied.
5. The health authority also provided recommendations to increase participation from providers, including raising reimbursements and creating a stronger communication plan.