MedicaidAdministrativeHigh impact
Dental Bulletin 59: Additional Extension for Submitting Dental Claims
MassHealth·MA · Dentistry·Provider Bulletin
Effective date
Feb 1, 2026
We identified it
Aug 4, 2026
Summary
MassHealth has extended the timely filing deadline for dental claims with dates of service on or after February 1, 2026 from 90 days to 180 days. This temporary extension applies to claims submitted through December 31, 2026, after which the standard 90-day requirement resumes. This change supersedes prior guidance in Dental Bulletins 56 and 57.
Action Required
By December 31, 2026: Billing team must update claim submission protocols to reflect the 180-day timely filing window for all MassHealth dental claims with DOS on or after February 1, 2026. Update billing system workflow rules, claims tracking spreadsheets, and denial management procedures to allow submission up to 180 days post-service instead of 90 days. Audit any dental claims denied for timely filing violations between February 1, 2026 and the policy issuance date (August 2026) and consider resubmission. Beginning January 1, 2027, revert to the standard 90-day timely filing requirement. Providers should reference Dental Bulletins 56 and 57 for additional claim submission documentation requirements that remain in effect.