CA SB980

Expands Medi-Cal coverage for laboratory-processed crowns to persons 13 years of age or older (previously limited to persons 21 and older on posterior teeth only).

Adds dental implants as a covered Medi-Cal benefit for persons of any age if tooth extraction is medically necessary or the tooth is missing, subject to prior authorization.

Conditions dental implant coverage on the absence of other covered functional alternatives for prosthetic replacement and absence of medical conditions that would contraindicate implant surgery.

Clarifies that crowns and implants coverage does not exclude Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment (EPSDT) services for beneficiaries under 21 years of age.

Implementation is contingent upon receipt of necessary federal approvals and availability of federal financial participation.