Patients Count on Benevis for Access to Care
At Benevis, we believe every child deserves access to high-quality dental care. Proper prevention and intervention early in life help build a foundation for optimal oral health. Their families deserve the same level of care, and for over two decades, Benevis has been committed to serving vulnerable populations and will continue to do so in the decades to come. Our patients who are primarily from underserved communities and are covered by Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) plans depend on us and trust us for their care.
Tackling Disparities in Dental Care Access
As of June 2024, 79.9 million people nationwide are enrolled in Medicaid and CHIP plans, with children making up nearly half (47%) of the total enrollment. Despite so many children (37.6M) receiving dental benefits through Medicaid or CHIP, access remains limited due to low reimbursement rates and fewer participating dentists.
While 43% of U.S. dentists have signed up to participate in children’s Medicaid, only 33% of them treated any kids on Medicaid. Nationally, only 18% of dental providers see more than 100 Medicaid patients annually. Benevis is proud to be among that 18%, helping to bridge the gap in over 100 underserved communities across the 13 states and District of Columbia where we have dental offices.
Driving Change Through Advocacy and Partnerships
We believe one reason more dental providers do not accept or see more patients with Medicaid and CHIP benefits is because of low reimbursement rates. According to the American Dental Association, Medicaid reimbursement was around 66.6% of private insurance reimbursement for child dental services. Ratios vary widely by state, from 39.1% in Oregon to 115.9% in Delaware, meaning children’s access to high-quality care can be largely influenced by where they live.
Benevis actively engages with advocacy groups, policymakers, and providers to push for better Medicaid reimbursement rates, aiming to expand care access. Our partnerships with schools, Head Start programs, Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), and other public programs ensure care reaches the families who need it most.
Bringing Care to Our Communities
With conveniently located practices embedded in the communities we aim to serve, Benevis offers personalized care and comprehensive services — including preventive, restorative, orthodontic, and emergency dental care.
“At Benevis, we’re working together with payers, providers, and policymakers to give every child in the U.S. access to quality dental care – especially lower-income, disadvantaged Medicaid beneficiaries,” said Dr. Dale Mayfield, Chief Dental Officer at Benevis. “This population represents the families and communities who need us most, and it’s our mission to help care for them.”
Together, with our locally branded offices, we’re creating a nation of happy, healthy smiles. Visit https://benevis.com/locations/ to find an office location near you, serving children and their families in 13 states and Washington, D.C.
