March 8, 2013
We examined Minnesota’s payment policies and rates for Medical Assistance dental services. We found that Minnesota uses numerous methods and types of payments to reimburse dental providers, and we found that payment policies are poorly coordinated and inconsistently implemented across Medical Assistance programs. We recommend that the state increase fee-for-service rates for dental services and give particular attention to rates for services provided to individuals with special needs. We also think that the Department of Human Services should more closely monitor recipient access to dental services, particularly for services provided through managed care organizations.