Medi-Cal – anyone been through the ‘request a state hearing’ process? Southern California

Location: Southern California

I have Medi-Cal and generally no issues with using it, but this is about a very specific situation.

I was denied dental treatment by Medi-Cal dental.

  • My dentist wants to replace my 45-year-old root canals with crowns.
  • Medi-Cal dental denied coverage.
  • The dentist’s office said the reason given was: “not proven medically necessary.”
  • But the paperwork I received only says: “deferred – not enough information.”

At this point, my only option is to request a Special Hearing with the State.

So…

  • Has anyone been through this process?
    • Google / AI doesn’t provide much about success rates.
    • I can’t find anything about what percentage of applicants actually win these hearings.
  • Are there clear metrics about what counts as “medically necessary”, or is it just up to the reviewer’s discretion?
  • For context:
    • The two teeth in question are extremely brittle.
    • Since the root canals are 45 years old, I can really only chew with my molars.
  • I’m not sure I can get strong documentation from my dentist, but I can ask him.
    • Any ideas what exactly I should request that he provide?
  • Has anyone here done this hearing?
    • Did you go through it alone?
    • Or did you hire someone to represent/counsel you?

Basically, I’m worried I’ll be asked questions by medical professionals and won’t know how to answer properly since I’m obviously not a medical professional myself.

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