Does My Dentist Accept Indiana Medicaid | HIP Dental Office Participation

Background Study of Indiana Medicaid Dental Office Participation:

 Although Medicaid expansion aims to eliminate financial barriers to health care for low-income people in the United States, health care accessibility cannot be guaranteed without clinicians who provide health care to Medicaid recipients. This study examined the characteristics of Indiana dentists that are associated with the likelihood of participating in Medicaid after expansion in 2015. 

Study Methods: 

This study included Indiana-licensed dentists who renewed their licenses in 2018 and provided supplemental data elements related to demographics, education and training, and professional characteristics. Dentists’ Medicaid engagement behavior was categorized on the basis of when claims were submitted from 2014 through 2017. Statistical analyses included the χ2 test and generalized multinomial logit model. 

Study Results: 

Overall, 2,037 Indiana-licensed dentists were included in the study. Of these, 802 (39.4%) were continually active in Medicaid during the study period, and 116 (5.7%) became active after expansion. Dentists had a greater likelihood of engaging in Medicaid after expansion if they were female, specialized in oral and maxillofacial surgery, practiced in a group practice, and were located in a rural county.  

Specific data on the number of dental providers participating in Indiana Medicaid from 2018 to 2025 is not readily available in the provided sources. However, several indicators suggest trends in provider participation:

1. Medicaid Reimbursement Rates:

   • As of 2024, Indiana's Medicaid fee-for-service reimbursement for adult dental services is approximately 49.6% of average dentist charges. This rate positions Indiana above the national average of 29.9%, potentially making Medicaid participation more attractive to dental providers.
     

2. Provider Rate Adjustments:

   • The 2024-2025 Medicaid Budget Survey indicates that while several states implemented significant dental rate increases, Indiana did not report notable changes during this period. Stable reimbursement rates may influence provider participation decisions.
     

3. Efforts to Reduce Administrative Burdens:

   • The American Dental Association's Council on Advocacy for Access and Prevention has been working to reduce administrative challenges associated with Medicaid participation. Such efforts aim to improve both provider and patient experiences, potentially encouraging more dentists to participate in Medicaid programs.

In summary, while direct data on the change in the number of dental providers participating in Indiana Medicaid since 2018 is not available, factors such as competitive reimbursement rates and efforts to streamline administrative processes may have positively influenced provider participation during this period.

Is My Dentist In-Network with Indiana Medicaid: 

Determining the exact number of dental offices in Indiana that are in-network with Medicaid and the Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP) is challenging, as this information is not readily available in a consolidated form. However, several resources can help you locate dental providers who accept these programs:

1. Indiana Medicaid Provider Directory: This directory allows you to search for dental providers enrolled with Indiana Medicaid. Keep in mind that while a provider may be listed, it's essential to contact them directly to confirm if they are accepting new patients and participate in your specific Medicaid plan.

2. Managed Care Entities (MCEs): If you're enrolled in HIP, Hoosier Healthwise, or Hoosier Care Connect, your health plan can assist in finding in-network dental providers:

   • Anthem: Provides a provider search tool for members.
     
   • MHS Indiana: Offers a directory to locate dental providers.
     
   • MDwise: Features a provider search specific to HIP members.
     
   • CareSource: Provides information on dental coverage and locating providers.
     

3. Delta Dental of Indiana: As of January 1, 2025, Delta Dental partners with MDwise to offer oral health care to members enrolled in Hoosier Healthwise and HIP. They provide a directory of participating dental providers.

4. DentaQuest: Serving Indiana Medicaid members, DentaQuest offers a search tool to find nearby dentists accepting Medicaid.

Recommendations:

• Contact Providers Directly: After identifying potential dental offices, reach out to confirm their participation in your specific Medicaid or HIP plan and inquire if they are accepting new patients.

• Consult Your Health Plan: Your health plan's member services can provide personalized assistance in locating in-network dental providers.

By utilizing these resources and confirming details directly with providers or your health plan, you can effectively find dental offices in Indiana that accept Medicaid and HIP.