Dental Care Assistance for Single Mothers in Mississippi
Dental Care Assistance for Single Mothers in Mississippi
Last updated: September 2025
This is your plain‑spoken, do‑this‑now guide to getting dental care in Mississippi without getting lost in paperwork or phone trees. Every paragraph includes several direct links you can tap right away. Always verify details before you apply because plans and clinics change.
If You Only Do 3 Things — Emergency Actions to Take
- Call your child’s plan or Medicaid to book the fastest dental slot available, then ask for help with rides. Use the member line on your card or call the Division of Medicaid at 1‑800‑421‑2408, use the managed‑care contacts for dental visits, and check the dentist list at the state’s dentist locator for kids. Mississippi Division of Medicaid, MississippiCAN Health Plans, Find a Dentist (InsureKidsNow). (medicaid.ms.gov)
- Get on a low‑cost clinic’s schedule today and ask for a sliding‑fee appointment. Start with your nearest federally qualified health center, the UMMC School of Dentistry student or resident clinic, and the Jackson Free Clinic if you’re uninsured. HRSA Find a Health Center, UMMC Dentistry, Jackson Free Clinic — Dental. (data.hrsa.gov)
- If dental pain is severe or you see facial swelling, seek care now and call to see what Medicaid covers in a hospital or surgery center when office care isn’t safe. Ask the dentist or your plan to request prior authorization if needed. Hospital/ASC dental rules, Mississippi Division of Medicaid, MississippiCAN Health Plans. (law.cornell.edu)
Quick Help Box — Keep These 5 Contacts Handy
- Medicaid/CHIP member help: 1‑800‑421‑2408, main site, and managed‑care lines for dental extras. Division of Medicaid, MississippiCAN Health Plans, CHIP Program Info. (medicaid.ms.gov)
- Free and low‑cost clinics near you: search the federal map and call ahead about sliding fees and wait times. Find a Health Center, HRSA Services, BPHC Health Center Program. (data.hrsa.gov)
- Transportation to dental visits: call your plan’s NET number or Modivcare for fee‑for‑service Medicaid rides. DOM Covered Services — Transportation, Modivcare in MS, MississippiCAN Health Plans. (medicaid.ms.gov)
- Children’s dentist locator and hotline: find providers that take Medicaid/CHIP and call 1‑877‑KIDS‑NOW. Dentist Locator, InsureKidsNow Home, Mississippi Coverage Page. (insurekidsnow.gov)
- State oral health contacts: school sealants, prevention, and referrals. MSDH Office of Oral Health, Mississippi Seals Program, MSD Oral Health Contacts. (msdh.ms.gov)
How Mississippi Dental Coverage Works in 2025
Medicaid, CHIP, and low‑cost clinics together cover most urgent dental needs and routine care for kids, but adult benefits are limited. Adults on Medicaid typically get emergency extractions and dental care tied to medical treatment, while children get full EPSDT benefits that override many limits when medically necessary. Adult emergency dental rules, EPSDT rule, DOM Programs Overview. (law.cornell.edu)
A key 2025 change affects children’s coverage under CHIP: Mississippi submitted a state plan update to remove annual and lifetime benefit limits in CHIP as required by new federal rules, effective June 1, 2025. That means kids on CHIP should not face yearly dollar caps for covered services. CHIP State Plan Amendments, CHIP Dental Coverage page, CHIP Program Info. (medicaid.ms.gov)
MississippiCAN and CHIP are managed by three health plans in 2025: Magnolia Health, Molina Healthcare, and TrueCare. UnitedHealthcare’s contracts ended June 30, 2025. Each plan must cover Medicaid dental basics, with limited adult dental, and may offer extras. Managed‑care update, MississippiCAN Health Plans, Member Services. (medicaid.ms.gov)
For everyone else, especially single moms who earn too much for Medicaid, the federal Marketplace sells health plans and optional dental plans; you can only buy a standalone dental plan when you enroll in a health plan. If you just need dentists that accept sliding fees, use the health center map to book care without insurance. Dental on HealthCare.gov, Find a Health Center, HRSA Services. (healthcare.gov)
Quick Coverage Snapshot
| Group | What’s covered | Key notes | 
|---|---|---|
| Children on Medicaid | Preventive, fillings, extractions, orthodontia when medically necessary | EPSDT covers medically necessary services even beyond normal limits. EPSDT rule, DOM EPSDT info, Find a Dentist. (law.cornell.edu) | 
| Children on CHIP | Full dental (prevent, restore, emergency) without annual/lifetime caps | Caps removed effective June 1, 2025; plan through Magnolia, Molina, or TrueCare. CHIP State Plan, CHIP Program, Managed‑Care Plans. (medicaid.ms.gov) | 
| Adults on Medicaid | Emergency extractions and adjunct dental tied to medical/surgical care | Office, hospital, or ASC settings may be covered if criteria and prior authorization are met. Adult dental limits, Hospital/ASC details, Member Services. (law.cornell.edu) | 
| Everyone | Sliding‑fee dental at FQHCs and school clinics | Call for fees and wait times; bring proof of income. Find a Health Center, HRSA, MSDH Oral Health. (data.hrsa.gov) | 
What to do if this doesn’t work: Try plan cross‑checks: call your health plan’s dental line, ask your county health department for school‑based sealant days, and search the federal clinic map for a different FQHC within 50 miles. MississippiCAN Health Plans, Mississippi Seals, Find a Health Center. (medicaid.ms.gov)
Medicaid for Moms and Kids — Eligibility, Coverage, and How to Apply
Start here if your child is under 19 or you’re pregnant. Kids may qualify for Medicaid or CHIP based on family income, and pregnant women can qualify for full Medicaid during pregnancy and for a 12‑month postpartum period. Use the state’s application, call the main help line, or apply through HealthCare.gov which transfers your file to Mississippi. Who Qualifies, CHIP Info, Medicaid Coverage Overview. (medicaid.ms.gov)
For kids on Medicaid, EPSDT covers cleanings, x‑rays, fillings, and more; it even allows covered orthodontics if they’re medically necessary. Orthodontia has a lifetime cap of $4,620 unless pre‑approved as medically necessary above that cap. CHIP covers dental to keep teeth healthy, fix problems, and treat emergencies; as of June 1, 2025, Mississippi’s CHIP no longer has annual or lifetime benefit caps. EPSDT orthodontia limit, CHIP dental coverage update, Find a Dentist. (law.cornell.edu)
Adults on Medicaid can get emergency extractions and dental treatment tied to medical or surgical care; routine adult cleanings and crowns are not covered statewide. Some services in a hospital or ASC require prior authorization. If you’re over 21 on MississippiCAN, adult dental remains limited but your managed‑care plan may offer extras beyond fee‑for‑service Medicaid. Adult dental program rules, Hospital/ASC dental policy, MississippiCAN covered services. (law.cornell.edu)
Some dental benefits are capped per fiscal year by rule, but children’s EPSDT can override routine limits when medically necessary, and CHIP has removed caps. Always request prior authorization for complex care and ask your dentist to note medical necessity in writing. Dental benefit limit rule, EPSDT rule, CHIP State Plan updates. (regulations.justia.com)
What to do if this doesn’t work: Get help finding a dentist that takes your coverage through the InsureKidsNow locator, call Medicaid at 1‑800‑421‑2408, and ask your plan for a care coordinator who can book dental authorizations for you. Find a Dentist, Division of Medicaid, MississippiCAN Health Plans. (insurekidsnow.gov)
Managed‑Care Plans — Contacts, Extras, and 2025 Changes
As of July 1, 2025, Magnolia Health, Molina Healthcare, and TrueCare manage MississippiCAN and CHIP. If you were with UnitedHealthcare, the plan ended June 30, 2025, and you moved or could switch during the special enrollment window. Call your plan for dental network, prior authorization, and ride help. Managed‑care update, MississippiCAN Health Plans, Covered Services — Dental limited over 21. (medicaid.ms.gov)
| Plan | Member dental/transport info | Notes | 
|---|---|---|
| Magnolia Health | 1‑866‑912‑6285; rides 1‑866‑331‑6004 via MTM/Modivcare | Extra dental for adults may vary; ask for a care manager. Magnolia Health, DOM Covered Services transport, Modivcare notice. (medicaid.ms.gov) | 
| Molina Healthcare | 1‑855‑391‑2355; complaint line listed on DOM | Confirm dental partners and any adult dental extras. Molina Healthcare, Covered Services transport, MCAN Plans. (medicaid.ms.gov) | 
| TrueCare | 1‑833‑230‑2050; MTM rides via plan | CHIP and MississippiCAN administrator; verify dentists in‑network. TrueCare, CHIP Contacts, MCAN Plans. (medicaid.ms.gov) | 
What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask for plan “case management.” They can make dental referrals, attach medical‑necessity notes, and book rides. If the plan can’t help, call Medicaid Member Services at 1‑800‑421‑2408 and switch dentists or file a grievance. Member Services, MississippiCAN Health Plans, Division of Medicaid. (medicaid.ms.gov)
Non‑Emergency Transportation (NET) — Getting to the Dentist Without Paying for Gas
Medicaid covers rides to covered appointments when you don’t have a way to get there. For fee‑for‑service Medicaid, call Modivcare at 1‑866‑331‑6004 to schedule; if your ride is late, call 1‑866‑334‑3794. Managed‑care members use the numbers on the state’s transport page or your ID card. Always book at least three business days ahead. DOM Covered Services — Transportation, Modivcare in MS, MississippiCAN Health Plans. (medicaid.ms.gov)
If you live in a rural county and the nearest dentist is far, NET can take you to the closest available provider in your plan’s network. If you need a wheelchair van or a stretcher trip, tell the broker when you book. If your plan uses a different broker, the plan’s member line will connect you. DOM Covered Services, MississippiCAN Health Plans, HRSA Find a Health Center. (medicaid.ms.gov)
What to do if this doesn’t work: Call 211 to find a local ride partner or ask your clinic about transportation vouchers funded by grants. If a ride no‑shows, call the broker’s “Where’s my ride” line and log a complaint number. United Way 211 (MS statewide), DOM Covered Services, Find a Health Center. (unitedwaysems.org)
Low‑Cost Clinics, Teaching Clinics, and Charities
Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) across Mississippi offer sliding‑fee dental care. Search the federal map, then call and ask for “sliding‑fee dental.” Coastal Family Health on the Gulf Coast, Jackson‑Hinds in the capital area, and Family Health Center in Laurel all provide dental services with income‑based fees. Find a Health Center, Coastal Family Health — Dental, Jackson‑Hinds locations. (data.hrsa.gov)
The UMMC School of Dentistry in Jackson runs student and resident clinics with supervised care; resident clinic fees are about 25% lower than private offices, and the school hosts free events like Dental Mission Week and “Free Care Friday” for uninsured kids several times a year. Call 601‑984‑6185 (appointments) or the specific resident and student lines listed on the program page. UMMC Dentistry, Where to Find Us, Resident clinic fee note. (umc.edu)
For free or very low‑cost care, check the Jackson Free Clinic (student‑run; Saturdays, when open) and watch for Mississippi Mission of Mercy events that offer two‑day free clinics with fillings and extractions. Dates vary by year and location, sometimes in Greenwood or Jackson—always confirm current dates on the Mississippi Dental Association page. Jackson Free Clinic — Dental, Mississippi MOM, Mississippi Dental Association. (jacksonfreeclinic.org)
Adults who are elderly, have a permanent disability, or need medically necessary dental care tied to serious illness can apply to the Dental Lifeline Network’s Donated Dental Services (DDS) program. Waitlists are long, and as of 2025, all Mississippi counties show as closed to new general applications, but veterans and people with urgent medical needs may still apply. DLN Mississippi, DLN — Apply, DLN — About. (dentallifeline.org)
What to do if this doesn’t work: Call 211 and ask for “dental, sliding fee” and “free dental event” leads, book with an FQHC in a neighboring county, and ask the UMMC clinics to put you on cancellation lists. United Way 211 (MS), Find a Health Center, UMMC Dentistry. (unitedwaysems.org)
Key Phone Numbers and Plan Links (Cheat Sheet)
| Topic | Phone / Action | Where to click | 
|---|---|---|
| Medicaid/CHIP main | 1‑800‑421‑2408 | Division of Medicaid, Medicaid Coverage, CHIP Program. (medicaid.ms.gov) | 
| Find dentists for kids | Use online search | InsureKidsNow Dentist Locator, MS Coverage page, About InsureKidsNow. (insurekidsnow.gov) | 
| Rides to appointments | Modivcare 1‑866‑331‑6004; “Where’s my ride?” 1‑866‑334‑3794 | DOM Transport page, Modivcare notice, MississippiCAN Plans. (medicaid.ms.gov) | 
| Managed‑care contacts | Magnolia 1‑866‑912‑6285; Molina 1‑855‑391‑2355; TrueCare 1‑833‑230‑2050 | MississippiCAN Health Plans, Magnolia Health, TrueCare. (medicaid.ms.gov) | 
| Report a dentist problem | Dental Board 601‑944‑9622 | MS Board of Dental Examiners, File a complaint, MS.gov Dental Board. (dentalboard.ms.gov) | 
How to Apply — Step‑by‑Step
- Gather income proof, your child’s birth certificates, Social Security numbers, and any current insurance cards, then apply online or by phone.
- After you’re approved, pick a managed‑care plan (if assigned) and call to confirm your dentist in‑network. Ask for dental benefit details and prior‑auth rules.
- If you need a ride, call at least three business days in advance; write down your confirmation number and pickup window.
Typical timelines and wait times
| Step | What to expect | Tips | 
|---|---|---|
| Medicaid/CHIP application | 2–6 weeks depending on completeness and verifications | Upload documents early; answer phone calls from “State of MS.” Medicaid Coverage, Who Qualifies, CHIP Program. (medicaid.ms.gov) | 
| Plan selection/change | During enrollment windows; special window ran Mar–Jun 1, 2025 | Ask for “continuity of care” if in treatment. Managed‑care update, MississippiCAN Health Plans, Member Services. (medicaid.ms.gov) | 
| FQHC dental | 1–6 weeks for routine; same‑week for urgent slots | Ask to be wait‑listed for cancellations. Find a Health Center, Coastal Family Health — Dental, Jackson‑Hinds locations. (data.hrsa.gov) | 
What to do if this doesn’t work: Escalate. Call your plan supervisor, contact the Medicaid help line, and ask the clinic’s patient advocate to push an urgent appointment if you have pain, swelling, or pregnancy‑related dental issues. Division of Medicaid, MississippiCAN Health Plans, Find a Health Center. (medicaid.ms.gov)
Emergency Dental Options and Safety Notes
Severe pain, swelling, fever, or trauma needs care now. Medicaid covers dental care that is an adjunct to a medical/surgical condition and emergency extractions; hospital or surgery center care is allowed when office care isn’t safe, with prior authorization. If you’re not sure, call your plan’s 24/7 nurse line or the provider office that accepts Medicaid to triage. Adult emergency dental rule, Hospital/ASC criteria, MississippiCAN Health Plans. (law.cornell.edu)
If a crime caused your dental injuries (domestic violence, assault, a crash involving a crime), ask about the state’s Crime Victim Compensation. It can reimburse medical and dental bills not covered elsewhere. Call 1‑800‑829‑6766 and ask a victim advocate about next steps. OVC Mississippi page, MS Crime Victim Compensation Division, Division of Medicaid. (ovc.ojp.gov)
What to do if this doesn’t work: Try a teaching clinic for urgent slots (UMMC resident clinic), a free‑clinic Saturday (Jackson Free Clinic when open), or look for a Mission of Mercy weekend; bring photo ID and arrive early. UMMC Dentistry, Jackson Free Clinic — Dental, MS MOM. (umc.edu)
Diverse Communities — Tailored Paths to Care in Mississippi
LGBTQ+ single mothers: Ask FQHCs about inclusive care and name/pronoun respect, and use the dentist locator for providers welcoming to youth. If you face discrimination, you can file a civil rights complaint and switch providers through your plan. Find a Health Center, InsureKidsNow Dentist Finder, Member Services. (data.hrsa.gov)
Single mothers with disabilities or disabled children: EPSDT covers medically necessary services for children without regard to routine limits; ask for prior authorization, and request transportation with wheelchair access. FQHCs can arrange accessible rooms. EPSDT rule, DOM Transport, Find a Health Center. (law.cornell.edu)
Veteran single mothers: The Jackson VA has a dental clinic; VA dental eligibility is limited but ask about community‑care referrals if you qualify. If you’re not eligible for VA dental, your kids can still get Medicaid/CHIP dental; also check UMMC free events. VA Jackson — Contact, CHIP in Mississippi, UMMC Dental Mission Week. (va.gov)
Immigrant and refugee single moms: FQHCs provide care regardless of immigration status and offer interpreter services; ask for sliding‑fee discounts. Use 211 to find legal aid and translation help nearby. Find a Health Center, HRSA Services, United Way 211. (data.hrsa.gov)
Tribal members (Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians): The Choctaw Health Center runs a large dental department in Philadelphia with satellite clinics in Bogue Chitto, Conehatta, and Red Water; call main at 601‑389‑4500. Ask about urgent criteria and contracted providers. Choctaw Health Center — Dental, CHC Contact, CHC Locations. (choctawhealthcenter.org)
Rural single moms with limited access: Use NET rides to reach the closest in‑network dentist, ask for teledentistry triage, and expand your search radius to 50–100 miles using the federal clinic map. DOM Transport, Find a Health Center, MississippiCAN Health Plans. (medicaid.ms.gov)
Single fathers and non‑custodial parents: The same rules apply—kids can get Medicaid/CHIP dental regardless of the parent’s gender. Make sure the applying adult’s contact info is up to date for renewal mail. Who Qualifies, CHIP, InsureKidsNow. (medicaid.ms.gov)
Language access and accessibility notes: Ask for interpreter services and large‑print forms; most FQHCs and state agencies can accommodate reasonable requests. If hearing impaired, use TTY 711 with any number listed. Find a Health Center, Member Services, VA Jackson (TTY info). (data.hrsa.gov)
Resources by Region — Where Single Moms Are Getting In Fast
Jackson Metro (Hinds, Rankin, Madison): Call Jackson‑Hinds Comprehensive Health Center for sliding‑fee dental, check the UMMC School of Dentistry resident and student clinics, and watch the Jackson Free Clinic page for Saturday openings. Jackson‑Hinds locations, UMMC Dentistry, Jackson Free Clinic — Dental. (jackson-hinds.com)
Gulf Coast (Harrison, Jackson, Hancock): Coastal Family Health runs multiple clinics (Biloxi, Gulfport, Bay St. Louis, Wiggins) with dental services and after‑hours nurse lines. Ask for the dental department and sliding fees. Coastal Family — Dental, CFHC Biloxi, CFHC Gulfport. (coastalfamilyhealth.org)
Pine Belt (Forrest, Lamar, Jones): Family Health Center in Laurel offers dental on a sliding scale; ask about first‑available slots and bring proof of income. CHIP/Medicaid kids can also use the dentist locator to choose a nearby pediatric dentist. Family Health Center Laurel — Dental, Main Clinic info, Find a Dentist. (laurelfamilyhealthcenter.com)
Delta Region (Bolivar, Sunflower, Washington): Delta Health Center in Mound Bayou runs dental services; call ahead for sliding fees and bring photo ID. Also check HRSA’s map for Greenville and Indianola options if closer. Delta Health Center (info), Delta Health Center (NPI listing), Find a Health Center. (mapquest.com)
Choctaw/Philadelphia and surrounding counties: The Choctaw Health Center’s Dental Department serves tribal members at main and satellite clinics; call for appointment windows and urgent criteria. Choctaw Dental, CHC Contact, CHC Locations. (choctawhealthcenter.org)
What to do if this doesn’t work: Expand your radius to the next county, ask clinics about mobile dental days at schools, and call 211 for region‑specific help. Find a Health Center, Mississippi Seals, United Way 211. (data.hrsa.gov)
Jackson Emergency Dental Help Today — How to Move Fast
- Call your plan’s dental line for an urgent appointment, then call Modivcare for a ride number.
- If you are uninsured, call UMMC Dentistry and Jackson Free Clinic to get on the wait list for the next available clinic day.
- If swelling or fever develops, follow hospital/ASC rules for dental emergencies and seek care now.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Missing prior authorization: For hospital/ASC dental, orthodontics, and some complex procedures, you need pre‑approval; ask your dentist to submit medical‑necessity notes.
- Not using the dentist locator for kids: Many private dentists see kids with Medicaid/CHIP; use the tool to find openings.
- Waiting on rides until the last minute: Book NET at least three business days ahead and keep your trip ID.
Reality Check — Delays and Funding Gaps You Should Expect
Reality check: plan provider lists change often, and some offices limit Medicaid slots each month; call the office to confirm they still accept your plan and ask for next‑month openings. MississippiCAN Health Plans, Member Services, InsureKidsNow Dentist Locator. (medicaid.ms.gov)
Reality check: charity programs like DLN have long waitlists and may close intake by county; apply only if you meet disability/age/medical criteria and send proof. DLN Mississippi, DLN Apply, DLN — About. (dentallifeline.org)
Reality check: non‑emergency transportation brokers juggle many trips; always build a buffer, confirm the day before, and save the “Where’s my ride” number in your phone. DOM Transport, Modivcare notice, United Way 211. (medicaid.ms.gov)
Application Checklist — Screenshot‑Friendly
- Photo ID for you and your child
- Proof of Mississippi residency (lease, bill, mail)
- Social Security numbers or proof of application
- Last 30 days of income (pay stubs) or self‑employment ledger
- Pregnancy verification (if applying as pregnant)
- Current insurance cards or denial letters
- Names of dentists/doctors you want to keep
- Notes on any dental issues and prior treatments
Use these pages as you apply and pick a plan: Who Qualifies, Medicaid Coverage, MississippiCAN Health Plans. (medicaid.ms.gov)
If Your Application Gets Denied
- Read the denial letter and write down the reason and date. Then call the Medicaid help line to ask what’s missing and whether you can fix it quickly.
- If you missed income documents, submit them within the timeline in your letter. If you still need care, book a sliding‑fee appointment at an FQHC while you appeal.
- If the denial is wrong, request an appeal by the deadline printed on your notice and keep copies of everything.
Local Organizations, Churches, and Support Leads
Look for church‑backed clinics and ministries like Mission First (Jackson), check your county health department for school‑based sealant days, and ask United Way for dental event calendars. Keep an eye on UMMC’s free‑care announcements and the Mississippi Dental Association’s Mission of Mercy page. Mission First Dental (Jackson), Mississippi Seals Program, MS MOM page. (msdh.ms.gov)
For tribal members and families near Philadelphia, use Choctaw Health Center’s dental services at main and satellite clinics, and ask whether you qualify for contracted care closer to home. For veterans, call the Jackson VA to ask about dental eligibility or community care. Choctaw Dental, CHC Contact, VA Jackson. (choctawhealthcenter.org)
What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask 211 to search nearby counties for church dental days, FQHC outreach, and mobile clinics. United Way 211, Find a Health Center, Mississippi Dental Association. (unitedwaysems.org)
Quick Reference Cheat Sheet — What to Say on the Phone
| Situation | Exact phrase to use | Where to call | 
|---|---|---|
| Need a ride | “I need a non‑emergency medical transport to a covered dental appointment; I have no other ride.” | DOM Transport, Modivcare in MS, Plan Member Line. (medicaid.ms.gov) | 
| Pain/swelling | “I have dental pain and swelling; can you mark this urgent and help with prior authorization?” | Hospital/ASC policy, Adult emergency dental, Plan Member Line. (law.cornell.edu) | 
| Kid needs dentist | “Please help me pick an in‑network pediatric dentist who accepts new patients.” | Dentist Locator, CHIP Program, Member Services. (insurekidsnow.gov) | 
County‑Specific Variations to Know
Provider availability and plan extras can vary by county, especially in the Delta and rural Pine Belt. When one county’s FQHC is full, another county often has sooner openings; confirm sliding‑fee policies and documents. Call the plan to see if neighboring‑county dentists are in‑network, and ask about continuity‑of‑care if you’re mid‑treatment. Find a Health Center, MississippiCAN Health Plans, Member Services. (data.hrsa.gov)
If you’re in Greenwood or Leflore County, watch for Mission of Mercy weekend clinics; patients are seen first‑come, first‑served for fillings and extractions. In Jackson, track UMMC free events for children and adults each year. MS MOM page, UMMC Dental Mission Week, UMMC Free Care Friday. (msdental.org)
What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask for plan network exceptions if there’s no dentist within a reasonable distance, and request help from your clinic’s social worker to document access barriers. Member Services, MississippiCAN Health Plans, Find a Health Center. (medicaid.ms.gov)
FAQs for Mississippi Single Moms (2025)
- Do kids on CHIP still have yearly dollar caps for dental? No. Mississippi submitted a CHIP State Plan Amendment to remove annual and lifetime benefit limits, effective June 1, 2025. CHIP State Plan page, CHIP Program, MississippiCAN Health Plans. (medicaid.ms.gov)
- What adult dental does Medicaid cover? Emergency extractions and dental care connected to medical or surgical treatment; routine cleanings for adults aren’t covered statewide. Adult dental programs, Hospital/ASC policy, Member Services. (law.cornell.edu)
- What special rules apply for kids’ dental? EPSDT requires Medicaid to cover all medically necessary services to correct or limit problems—this includes dental and orthodontia (with a lifetime orthodontia limit unless approved above). EPSDT rule, DOM EPSDT page, InsureKidsNow Dentist Finder. (law.cornell.edu)
- Who manages my plan in 2025? Magnolia, Molina, and TrueCare manage MississippiCAN/CHIP; UnitedHealthcare exited June 30, 2025. Managed‑care update, MississippiCAN Health Plans, CHIP contacts. (medicaid.ms.gov)
- Can I buy a stand‑alone dental plan for myself? Yes, but only when you enroll in a Marketplace health plan. Compare both health and dental at the same time. Dental on HealthCare.gov, CMS Marketplace snapshot, Find a Health Center. (healthcare.gov)
- What if I need hospital dentistry under anesthesia? It’s covered when office care isn’t safe, with prior authorization. Your dentist or plan must document the medical reasons. Hospital/ASC rule, Member Services, MississippiCAN Health Plans. (law.cornell.edu)
- Where can I file a complaint about a dentist? Contact the Mississippi State Board of Dental Examiners at 601‑944‑9622 or use the online complaint portal. MS Dental Board, File a complaint, MS.gov Dental Board page. (dentalboard.ms.gov)
- My kid’s school mentioned sealants—what is that? The Mississippi Seals program brings free screenings, fluoride, and sealants to eligible schools; ask your school nurse. Mississippi Seals Program, MSDH Oral Health, Keep Kids Cavity‑Free. (msdh.ms.gov)
- Is there help for uninsured adults with serious medical conditions? Apply to Dental Lifeline Network’s DDS if disabled, over 65, or needing medically necessary dental care; wait times are long. DLN Mississippi, DLN Apply, DLN About. (dentallifeline.org)
- I’m a tribal member—where can my family get dental? The Choctaw Health Center Dental Department serves adults and children with clinics across the reservation; call 601‑389‑4500. Choctaw Dental, CHC Contact, CHC Locations. (choctawhealthcenter.org)
Spanish (Español) — Resumen Rápido para Mamás Solteras en Mississippi
Esta traducción fue creada con herramientas de IA para facilitar su lectura. Para información oficial y actualizada, verifique siempre los sitios del estado.
- Para niños con Medicaid o CHIP: use el localizador de dentistas y el teléfono 1‑877‑KIDS‑NOW para encontrar citas. Buscador de Dentistas, InsureKidsNow — Mississippi, Programa CHIP MS. (insurekidsnow.gov)
- Adultos con Medicaid: la cobertura dental es limitada (extracciones de emergencia y servicios ligados a atención médica); pida autorización previa cuando sea necesario. Reglas dentales para adultos, Hospital/ASC dental, Servicios para Miembros. (law.cornell.edu)
- Clínicas de bajo costo y transporte: busque clínicas comunitarias con tarifas según ingresos y pida transporte a citas cubiertas. Mapa de Clínicas Federales, Servicios de Transporte DOM, Modivcare MS. (data.hrsa.gov)
About This Guide
Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team.
This guide uses official sources including:
- Mississippi Division of Medicaid
- MississippiCAN Health Plans
- Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) State Plan
- InsureKidsNow Dentist Locator
- HRSA Find a Health Center
- Mississippi State Department of Health — Oral Health
Last verified September 2025, next review January 2026.
This guide is produced based on our Editorial Standards using only official sources, regularly updated and monitored, but not affiliated with any government agency and not a substitute for official agency guidance. Individual eligibility outcomes cannot be guaranteed. Please note that despite our careful verification process, errors may still occur — email info@asinglemother.org with corrections and we respond within 72 hours.
Disclaimer
This guide provides general information for Mississippi residents and is not legal, medical, or financial advice. Coverage and clinic availability change often; always confirm current details with your health plan, the Mississippi Division of Medicaid, or the clinic before you travel or schedule care. Division of Medicaid, Member Services, Find a Health Center. (medicaid.ms.gov
Notes on verification used in this guide include: the 2025 managed‑care transition and special enrollment window, CHIP benefit‑limit removal effective June 1, 2025, adult emergency dental rules and hospital/ASC criteria, EPSDT rules for children, NET broker contact numbers, and UMMC clinic details. Where benefit levels and events can change quickly, call to confirm availability before applying or traveling. Managed‑care update, CHIP State Plan page, Adult dental rule, Hospital/ASC, DOM Transport.
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