Boy wearing braces

What Are Public Aid Braces in Chicago?

Public Aid braces refer to orthodontic treatment that may be covered through Illinois Medicaid (All Kids) when a patient’s orthodontic condition is considered medically necessary. Medicaid may approve braces for children whose bite problems meet the severity guidelines used by the Modified Salzmann Index.

In Illinois, many families use the terms Public Aid, Medical Card, or Medicaid interchangeably. Orthodontists must evaluate the patient and submit orthodontic records for Medicaid review before treatment can be approved.

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Does Public Aid Cover Braces in Chicago?

Illinois Medicaid may cover braces when orthodontic treatment is considered medically necessary. The orthodontic condition must meet specific severity guidelines established by Medicaid before treatment can be approved.

Coverage decisions are typically based on the Modified Salzmann Index, which measures how severe a patient’s bite problem is. If the orthodontic condition meets Medicaid’s criteria, orthodontic treatment may be approved.

Orthodontic coverage rules are determined by the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services, which administers the Illinois Medicaid program and sets medical necessity guidelines for orthodontic treatment.

Because these requirements are strict, an orthodontic evaluation is required before braces can be approved through Public Aid.

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Who Qualifies for Public Aid Braces in Chicago?

Public Aid (Medicaid) orthodontic coverage is typically available for children whose orthodontic condition meets medical necessity requirements. Each case must be evaluated by an orthodontist before records can be submitted for Medicaid approval.

Children may qualify for Public Aid braces if:

  • The orthodontic condition is considered medically necessary
  • The bite problem meets the Modified Salzmann Index threshold
  • Orthodontic diagnostic records are submitted for review
  • Medicaid approves the treatment before braces begin

Many children receiving orthodontic coverage through Medicaid are enrolled in the Illinois All Kids program, which provides healthcare coverage for children across Illinois.

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Young girl wearing braces

How Public Aid Braces Approval Works

The Medicaid orthodontic approval process involves several steps before braces treatment can begin.

Step 01

Orthodontic Evaluation

An orthodontist examines the teeth and bite to determine whether braces may be medically necessary.

Step 02

Diagnostic Records

X-rays, photographs, and dental impressions may be taken to document the orthodontic condition.

Step 03

Medicaid Review

Orthodontic records are submitted to Medicaid for evaluation using the Modified Salzmann Index scoring system.

Many Medicaid dental cases are reviewed through DentaQuest, which evaluates orthodontic cases submitted by orthodontists.

Step 04

Treatment Begins

If Medicaid approves the case, orthodontic treatment such as braces can begin.

Approval decisions typically take several weeks after orthodontic records are submitted.

What Is the Modified Salzmann Index?

The Modified Salzmann Index is a scoring system used to measure the severity of orthodontic problems. Medicaid uses this index to determine whether braces qualify for coverage.

The index evaluates several orthodontic factors including:

  • Bite alignment
  • Crowding of teeth
  • Spacing between teeth
  • Jaw position and bite relationship

Only orthodontic cases that meet the required severity level may be approved for orthodontic treatment through Medicaid.

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Chicago Locations That Accept Public Aid Braces

Orthodontic Experts provides orthodontic evaluations for Medicaid patients at several Chicago orthodontic clinics.

Orthodontic Experts Lakeview, Chicago

Orthodontic Experts Lakeview, Chicago

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Orthodontic Experts Old Town, Chicago

Orthodontic Experts Old Town, Chicago

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Orthodontic Experts Bucktown, Chicago

Orthodontic Experts Bucktown, Chicago

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Each clinic provides orthodontic consultations to determine whether braces may qualify under Medicaid guidelines.

Choose Orthodontic Experts For Public Aid Braces in Chicago

If you want to know whether braces may qualify for Public Aid coverage in Chicago, an orthodontic evaluation is the first step.

Orthodontic Experts can evaluate your child’s orthodontic condition and explain the Medicaid approval process so families understand the available treatment options.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children receive an orthodontic evaluation around age seven to identify developing bite problems early.

Orthodontic Experts is recognized across Chicago for providing accessible orthodontic care and assisting families with Illinois Medicaid approvals.

Families Choose Orthodontic Experts Because We:

  • Have multiple established Chicago locations
  • Understand Illinois Medicaid orthodontic guidelines
  • Provide transparent explanation of eligibility criteria
  • Assist with prior authorization documentation
  • Offer no-cost consultations before commitment

Our approach combines clinical expertise with practical guidance.

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Public Aid Braces FAQ

Does Public Aid cover braces in Chicago?

Public Aid (Illinois Medicaid) may cover braces when orthodontic treatment is medically necessary and meets the Modified Salzmann Index requirements.

What age qualifies for Public Aid braces?

Medicaid orthodontic coverage is typically available for children and adolescents whose orthodontic problems meet the required medical necessity criteria.

How long does Public Aid Medicaid approval take?

After orthodontic records are submitted, Medicaid review and approval may take several weeks, depending on the case.

Can adults get braces with Public Aid?

In most cases, Medicaid orthodontic coverage is primarily available for children and adolescents whose orthodontic problems meet the severity requirements.

Find a Medicaid Orthodontist in Chicago

Families who qualify for Public Aid coverage often want to find an orthodontist who accepts Medicaid. Orthodontic Experts provides orthodontic evaluations for Medicaid patients and helps families understand whether orthodontic treatment may qualify for coverage.

If you are looking for a Medicaid orthodontist in Chicago, visit our Chicago Medicaid Orthodontic page to learn more about orthodontic treatment options and available consultations.

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