(Business Wire)  Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kentucky and DentaQuest have expanded their scope of services to offer Anthem’s Kentucky Medicaid members access to a broad network of DentaQuest oral health providers and services. These services are available to both children and adults, and include oral exams, emergency visits, x-rays, extractions and fillings. Other services, such as root canal therapy, crowns and sealants are available for children. Additionally, Anthem and DentaQuest will work together on a case-by-case basis to authorize medically necessary services for eligible members.

“Many of Anthem’s Medicaid members in Kentucky have not previously had access to dental services or may have not been aware that they can access oral health benefits at no cost,” said Cecelia Manlove, president of Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield Kentucky Medicaid. “This can result in gaps in care, deteriorating oral health and the risk of future health complications, so we want our members to take control of their health by accessing the benefits offered through DentaQuest. Also, if our members need help finding a provider or understanding what services are available, we are committed to connecting them with qualified experts who can help them maintain and improve their oral health.”

According to the Kentucky Department for Public Health, Kentucky has the third highest tooth loss rate in the nation among older adults, and Kentuckians of all ages are facing vast oral health problems. An assessment of the commonwealth’s dental health found that half of Kentucky's children had decay in their primary teeth and more than 46 percent of children ages 2 - 4 had untreated dental problems—more than twice the national average. Many of these oral health problems stem from multiple factors, including lack of access to care, lack of importance placed on oral health, lack of oral health knowledge, lack of money to pay for care, and many other reasons. Anthem and DentaQuest have formed an alliance to fight these challenges by expanding access to care and encouraging members to access services that can help improve their oral health.

“Children should start seeing a dentist when they get their first tooth, before their first birthday, and both children and adults should see a dentist every six months,” said Rebekah Mathews, DentaQuest regional director of client engagement in Kentucky. “Tooth decay is the most common chronic disease among children in Kentucky, and children with dental problems typically grow up to become adults with dental problems. As we grow older, dental issues can lead to more severe health issues, so it is important to start practicing preventive health as soon as possible and working toward a healthier future.”

DentaQuest is the third largest oral health company in the United States and the largest in the Medicaid space. It has been an administrator of Anthem Medicaid vision benefits in Kentucky since Jan. 2014. In Jan. 2015, Anthem and DentaQuest expanded their scope of services to serve approximately 65,000 Anthem Medicaid members in seven of Kentucky’s eight Medicaid regions.

For more information about DentaQuest and its participating providers, visit www.dentaquest.com or call member services at 855-343-7405. For more information about Anthem’s Kentucky Medicaid program and services, visit www.anthem.com/kymedicaid. Anthem members can also call the customer service number listed on their member I.D. card.

ABOUT ANTHEM BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD KENTUCKY MEDICAID

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield serves approximately 65,000 Medicaid beneficiaries in Kentucky. Every day, members of the Anthem team can be found in Kentucky communities listening to our members, interacting with our providers and partnering with community-based organizations. Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield began serving Medicaid beneficiaries in Kentucky in 2014.

ABOUT DENTAQUEST

DentaQuest is a leading dental benefits administrator, providing cost-effective administration in every arena of dental benefits, including group, individual, Medicaid, CHIP, and Medicare Advantage. Through its emphasis on prevention, DentaQuest is creating an environment of better oral health for more than 23 million members across the United States. DentaQuest is a partner in the community and committed to improving oral health through access, innovation and affordability. Learn more at www.dentaquest.com. Also, follow us on Twitter @dentaquest.