Finish the Job: Raise the Kansas Medicaid Dental Reimbursement Rates

The Kansas Legislature has invested significant money to strengthen the Medicaid dental program over the past few years:
 2022: Fillings, crowns, and gum disease care added for adults
 2023: Dentures added for adults
 2024: Dental exams, x-rays, and cleanings added for adults
 2025: Dental rate increase for all dental codes:
 • Exams: 50%
 • Cleanings: 35%
 • X-rays and composite fillings: 20%
 • All other codes 10%

These investments are making a real difference in the lives of thousands of Kansans who now have access to essential dental care. However, to ensure that all people with Medicaid coverage can access the care they need, they must have access to Medicaid dental providers.

The Medicaid dental provider network
While the rate increase made a difference, the Kansas Medicaid dental rates still lag behind our neighboring states. A recent dental rate increase in Missouri led to a 43% rise in providers participating in the Missouri Medicaid program. We can make a difference too by getting our rates up to the commercial level.

Percentage of Dentists Enrolled as a Medicaid Provider in 2024


Source: American Dental Association. Dental Care in Medicaid Programs. Health Policy Institute. December 2025.
https://www.ada.org/resources/research/health-policy-institute/coverage-access-outcomes/dental-care-in-medicaid-programs

Nearly 40% of Kansas counties have no Medicaid dental providers. Dentists report that low reimbursement rates are the top barrier to becoming Medicaid providers. One provider told Oral Health Kansas, "The reimbursements don't cover our overhead expenses to run the practice. Increasing the rates is critical to increasing the number of providers."

How can I learn more and get involved?

1. Read more in this Medicaid Dental Rates overview.
2. Use these talking points to help share the importance of Medicaid covering basic preventive dental care for adults.
3. Join us in advocating to increase the Medicaid dental rates! Together, we can ensure that everyone covered by Medicaid in Kansas has access to the dental care they need to stay healthy.

Click here to join our list of supporting organizations!