New state dental program for children announced

DES MOINES – Children from low- to moderate-income families in Iowa are now eligible for dental coverage under a state program Gov. Chet Culver said is the first dental-only program in the country.

Officials expect as many as 22,000 children could enroll in program that began March 1. It provides routine dental care as well as medically necessary orthodontia, but not cosmetic orthodontia.

“Ensuring our children have access to quality, affordable health care is a top priority of my administration,” Culver said in a statement. “I am proud to announce this dental-only option as a major step toward getting kids the coverage they not only need, but deserve. We are once again showing why Iowa is a leader in helping hard-working families by providing children's health care.”

Families with incomes below 150 percent of the poverty level can join the program free. For others who are eligible, the program will cost no more than $30 per month.

Dental care currently is covered for Iowa children in the state's Healthy and Well Kids Iowa program, or hawk-i, and Medicaid.

Families whose income makes them eligible for the hawk-i program but have their own health insurance plans without dental coverage can sign up for the dental-only plan.

The program is expected to cost $369,000 through June and $4.9 million in the next fiscal year. The federal government's share is 75 percent, with the state picking up the rest of the cost.

More information on the dental only program is available by calling 1-800-257-8563.