How To Maximize Medicaid (Apple Health) in Bonney Lake

Apple Health can cover more than you think. Used well, it lowers out-of-pocket costs for your family and helps you stay on top of dental, medical, and mental health care.

This guide highlights quick wins for Bonney Lake residents so you can book the right visits, use the extras, and stretch every benefit. Here’s a quick look at how you can make the most of your Medicaid insurance in Bonney Lake:

• Start with dental: schedule cleanings and exams, ask about fluoride and sealants for kids, and get a written treatment plan so you know what’s covered before treatment.
• Lock in a primary care provider: use your annual wellness visit to catch issues early and refill prescriptions on time.
• Use mental health benefits: you can get counseling and substance use support through in-network providers.
• Pregnant or recently postpartum: enroll in available maternity and after-pregnancy coverage for checkups, lactation help, and more.
• Don’t miss appointments because of transport: request non-emergency medical rides if you qualify.
• If something isn’t covered: ask about low-cost options or a supplemental plan like Delta Dental for specific dental needs.

Make the Most of Your Apple Health Dental Benefits

Adults can get exams, cleanings, x-rays, fluoride, fillings, stainless steel crowns, extractions, dentures or partials, and root canals on front teeth. Adults generally don’t have coverage for implants, porcelain crowns, bridges, or orthodontics.

Kids get comprehensive care including cleanings, x-rays, sealants, fillings, crowns, fluoride, extractions, and medically necessary orthodontics with prior authorization. 

Find an Apple Health dentist fast.

btyDENTAL Bonney Lake accepts Apple Health (Medicaid) and most private insurances. If you do not have Medicaid, we also offer payment plans and financing options so Bonney Lake families can access quality dental care without delay.

You can also use DentistLink to search, or call or text 844-888-5465 to reach a referral specialist who can help and arrange interpreter support.

Book preventive visits on a 6-month rhythm.

Schedule your next cleaning before you leave the clinic and set a phone reminder a week ahead. Ask if you are due for routine x-rays so small issues are caught early. If transportation is tough, request non-emergency medical transport when you book.

Call btyDENTAL Bonney Lake and ask for the next available preventive visit for Apple Health patients. We’ll handle all your schedules, set reminders, and ensure that you get an appointment at a time that’s most convenient for you. 

Fluoride for Adult Cleanings, Request Sealants and Fluoride for kids

Fluoride can help adults who get frequent cavities, have dry mouth, wear braces, or take meds that affect saliva. For kids, ask if the 6-year and 12-year molars are ready for sealants, and request fluoride varnish at each cleaning. Confirm coverage at check-in so the team codes it correctly. If something isn’t covered, ask for a simple cash price before treatment.

If you have diabetes, unlock extra cleanings.

Tell the front desk you have diabetes when you book and at check-in. Apple Health allows periodontal maintenance up to four times per year for eligible adults with diabetes. Ask your dentist to map out a three- to four-month schedule and to code visits correctly so they count toward your benefit. Keep a simple calendar of completed visits, and ask whether a deep cleaning is needed before maintenance.

Have little ones? Use ABCD.

The Access to Baby & Child Dentistry program helps Apple Health families find trained providers for children under six. Aim for first tooth, first birthday, first exam. Ask for an ABCD-certified dentist, request fluoride varnish, and if your child is at higher risk for cavities, ask whether three-month recall visits make sense. Bring your Apple Health ID and any medical info the office requests so billing goes smoothly.

Get a written treatment plan.

Before any non-urgent work, ask for a printed plan that shows what Apple Health covers, what needs prior authorization, and any out-of-pocket costs. If a recommended option is not covered, ask for alternatives that are covered, like partials when implants are excluded. If prior authorization is needed, have the office submit it and tell you when to expect an answer. Keep a copy of your plan and bring it to your next visit so you stay on track.

No ride, no problem.

If transportation is a barrier, request non-emergency medical transportation to dental appointments through the county broker. In Pierce County, rides are arranged through Paratransit Services. 

When something isn’t covered.

Discuss alternatives your plan does cover, like partials instead of implants. If you want services Apple Health excludes, consider a low-cost supplemental dental plan and compare out-of-pocket costs.

Medical, Behavioral Health, Vision, and More With Medicaid

Primary and preventive care.

Book an annual wellness visit with a primary care clinic. Apple Health covers checkups, labs, prescriptions, hospital care, and emergency care

Behavioral health.

Counseling and substance-use treatment are covered. You can start with an in-network provider or ask your clinic for a referral. 

Pregnancy and postpartum.

Apple Health covers prenatal care, and After-Pregnancy Coverage extends full benefits for 12 months after the pregnancy ends—use it for postpartum checkups, contraception, behavioral health, and dental.

Quick to-dos this month.

Pick a primary care clinic, schedule a wellness visit, line up needed vaccines or labs, and save your plan’s member services number for behavioral health or transportation help.

How to Apply, Switch Plans, and Keep Medicaid Coverage in Bonney Lake

How to apply in minutes

Apply online at Washington Healthplanfinder, in the WAPlanfinder app, or by phone 1-855-923-4633. You can apply any time of year.

Choosing or changing your plan

Most Apple Health members enroll in a managed care plan. If your clinic or dentist is out of network, you can switch to another plan available in your area. Changes usually take effect the following month, unless requested in the last two business days. You can switch on Healthplanfinder or by calling HCA.

Renew every year

Apple Health renews annually. Watch for renewal notices and respond on time. If you miss the deadline and lose coverage, you generally have 90 days to complete renewal and get coverage restored back to the date it ended. Renew online, by app, or by calling 1-855-923-4633. 

Keep your info up to date

Report changes to address, household, or income as soon as they happen so your coverage stays accurate. You can report a change online or by calling the DSHS Customer Service Center 1-877-501-2233.

Get free enrollment help

Navigators and brokers can help you apply, pick a plan, and stay covered at no cost. Find local assistance through Washington Healthplanfinder.

Ready to use your Apple Health benefits?

btyDENTAL Bonney Lake accepts Apple Health (Medicaid). We’ll verify your benefits, explain what’s covered before any treatment, submit all insurance claims, and handle prior authorizations when needed. New patients and families are welcome. 

Ready to get a smile that’s better than yesterday? Schedule a visit with us today!