CHARLOTTE, N.C. — More than 600,000 North Carolinians can now access new oral health benefits after the recent Medicaid expansion. Despite this, only about 45% of North Carolina's dentists are accepting Medicaid patients.
"Patients will come in and say 'I'm so glad you were able to get us in because they can't find places for months on end,'" Raj Dolia, the owner and general dentist at Urban Dental, said.
Dolia said they’ve been receiving an uptick in the number of calls from folks in need of service.
"There is such a big need for Medicaid to be accepted in their Mecklenburg County clinics," Dolia said. "It's tough to know if a patient comes in and they’ve called around they can't find anyone for months."
According to North Carolina Health News, there are many reasons for the lack of providers welcoming new patients on the Medicaid rolls.
One of the biggest reasons is due to low reimbursement rates, which have remained the same for 15 years.
"To pull a tooth is $300 and while insurance will give $150 to $180, Medicaid pays from $80 to $100," Dolia said.
Dolia said a lot of offices are trying to figure out how to be a busy office, but are also working to pay their bills.
It's an issue Dolia said he fears will get worse.
He said amid the concerns, their office is stepping up to meet the need and is hopeful other dentists will join in the effort.
"I'm optimistic more offices will provide services to Medicaid patients, but the way things are rising with inflation it could get even worse," Dolia said.
Contact Tradesha Woodard at twoodard1@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.