Does Medicaid Cover Braces?
Medicaid covers braces only when the bite problem is severe, like the ones pictured below. Cases that are about how teeth look aren't covered.
Coverage is all or nothing: if your child qualifies, Medicaid pays for braces. If not, Medicaid won't pay for any part of it.
Conditions that usually qualify
Front teeth sticking way out
Upper front teeth sit far in front of the lower teeth.
Overjet of 9mm or more
Front teeth don't touch
There's a gap between the upper and lower front teeth when biting.
Open bite of 4mm or more
Severe underbite
The lower front teeth bite in front of the upper teeth.
Reverse overjet of 3.5mm or more
Deep bite that hurts the gums
Lower front teeth bite into the gums behind the upper teeth.
Impinging overbite with tissue damage
Crossbite wearing down gums
A front tooth bites behind the lower teeth and harms the gums.
Anterior crossbite with tissue damage
Cleft lip or palate
A split in the lip or roof of the mouth from birth.
Cleft palate
Serious injury or growth problem
An accident or a problem with how the jaws grew left the bite badly out of line.
Severe traumatic deviation
Medicaid family discount
10% off
If Medicaid won't cover braces, your family still gets a lower price with us.
Not like the pictures? You still have options.
Your child can still get braces with us. Medicaid families get 10% off, and we offer in-house payment plans with no interest.
Start with a free consult
We'll check your child's bite and tell you honestly if Medicaid is likely to cover it. If not, we'll go over the cost with you up front.