Thank you --and DC-Maryland providers/resources?

[AnitaB]

All,

First and foremost, a sincere THANK YOU to everyone who has posted here previously. Like so many others, I was flailing around searching for information when I stumbled on this group and I can't possibly overstate the comfort it has provided me. From the providers (God Bless you, Dr. McNeel) to the oligodontia patients, to the fellow parents, thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and experience.

I realize the insurance coverage issue varies state by state, but I wonder whether anyone has any experience with the following:

1. Maryland state law: it seems to define "essential benefits" as including " restorative services, endodontic services, periodontic services, removable prosthodontics, maxillofacial prosthetics, fixed prosthodontics, orthodontics for children with severe dysfunctional, handicapping malocclusion, and adjunctive general services." Does anyone have experience getting these services covered under their medical insurance?
2. Can anyone comment on the merits of having one's pediatrician make the initial diagnosis?

Also, does anyone have recommendations on providers in the DC-Maryland area?

My child suffers from migraines and growth issues, not to mention terrible self-image. I thought I couldn't do anything for several years yet until I read the various posts in this group. I am eternally grateful to all of you.

Anita

[Mickey D]

Anita,

Sadly, this group doesn't stay very active...but, like you, I am very grateful it is here! I do not have any answers to your questions, but we have just started talking to our health insurance as we prepare for early stage treatment. Right off the bat, they are rejecting anything related to orthodontia and saying only things considered oral surgery would be covered. We are planning to fight that because we only have plans for braces because of her congenital issue (our older child doesn't even need braces...slight overbite and that's it).

We did start with a letter from her pediatrician stating that it is congenital, not trauma, that it is medically necessary and not cosmetic. I think her orthodontist sent a similar letter with what they submitted, but I haven't seen that letter/packet. Anyway, our health insurance policy says they will cover dental/teeth-related issues that are congenital...so I'm hoping this first response means the later bigger stuff (implants) and oral surgeries will not be a problem to get covered since they already admitted they would pay for oral surgeon stuff... But we're going to push for the braces, as well, since she'll have two phases.

We are just starting a caringbridge page to document her journey: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/mickeysmiles

Good luck on your journey!

Sharon

[AnitaB]

Hi Sharon,

I'm sorry I'm only seeing this message now -- I thought I would get a message whenever new posts appeared but I guess not.

Anyway, I would be happy to share with you what I have learned so far. Dr. McNeel, who has posted here, and his wonderful wonderful wife Lori, have already taught me so much and I would welcome the opportunity to pay it forward. Please email me if you have not already spoken with Lori.

Good luck,

Anita