Medicare Part D: The Medicare prescription drug benefit program. We call this program “Part D” for short. Medicare Part D covers outpatient prescription drugs, vaccines, and some supplies not covered by Medicare Part A or Medicare Part B or Medical Assistance. Our plan includes Medicare Part D.Medicare Part A: The Medicare program that covers most medically necessary hospital, skilled nursing facility, home health, and hospice care.
Medicare Part B: The Medicare program that covers services (such as lab tests, surgeries, and doctor visits) and supplies (such as wheelchairs and walkers) that are medically necessary to treat a disease or condition. Medicare Part B also covers many preventive and screening services.Medical Assistance: This is the name of Minnesota’s Medicaid program. Medical Assistance is run by the state and is paid for by the state and the federal government. It helps people with limited incomes and resources pay for long-term services and supports and medical costs.
It covers extra services and some drugs not covered by Medicare. Medicaid programs vary from state to state, but most health care costs are covered if you qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid.

Dental Provider Resources

In accordance with South Country Health Alliance’s Special Needs Basic Care (SNBC) contract with DHS (Section 6.10.9.1) South Country conducted a provider accessibility survey in 2024. Among the surveyed provider types, dental providers had the highest response rate with 50% requesting training for working with people with disabilities. Summary level results of the survey can be seen here in this powerpoint presentation.

South Country has compiled the resources below for providers to become better equipped to treat patients with special needs.

  1. National Inclusive Curriculum for Health Education (NICHE) is an initiative of the American Academy of Developmental Medicine and Dentistry (AADMD). This free interdisciplinary training was developed by three key partners: learners, educators, and people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  The curriculum is designed for medical and dental students who often don’t otherwise have practical opportunities to learn about working with patients with disabilities but is beneficial to anyone working in the field. Providers can work at their own pace and may start at the beginning or choose specific lessons to focus on. Overview — NICHE
  2. The Center for Persons with Disabilities Presentation Series is a professional development program aimed at building awareness of the barriers to equitable oral health for individuals with disabilities. This Penn Dental Medicine series offers free CE credits. Dental professionals completing 18 or more of the courses in a three-year period may receive a Disabilities Dentistry Clinician Expert certificate. Center for Persons with Disabilities Presentation Series - Penn Dental Medicine
  3. The Mental Health Resources (MHR) Toolkit for dentists and other oral health professionals offers guidance on dental care for people living with serious mental illness and/or substance use disorder. Dental Care for People Living with Serious Mental Illness and/or Substance Use Disorder
  4. Additional articles and resources:

a.  Considerations for Patients with Special Needs | American Dental Association
b.  Strategies for Managing Patients With Special Needs and Disabilities - Dimensions of Dental Hygiene
c.  Patients with Special Needs | MouthHealthy - Oral Health Information from the ADA
d.  Caregivers Guide - Adults Over 60 | MouthHealthy - Oral Health Information from the ADA
e.  Best Practices for Patients with Special Healthcare Needs
f.   A Guide to Oral Health – Minnesota Oral Health Coalition
g.  Oral Health Continuing Education & Training | CareQuest Institute
h. Disability Resources for Dental Providers - MN Dept. of Health

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