CO SB242

Establishes dental services for adults as an optional Medicaid service in Colorado, which was one of only ten states without basic oral health coverage for adults as of 2011.

Creates the Adult Dental Fund in the state treasury, funded by transfers from the Unclaimed Property Trust Fund beginning April 1, 2014, to pay for implementation of the adult dental benefit.

Requires the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing to design and implement a limited dental benefit by April 1, 2014, using a collaborative stakeholder process and determining the most cost-effective delivery method (capitated, fee-for-service, or dental insurance purchase).

Appropriates $999,490 and 1.3 FTE for fiscal year 2013-2014, comprised of $272,112 from the Adult Dental Fund and $727,378 in federal funds, for personal services, operating expenses, IT contracts, and professional services.

Takes effect 90 days after final adjournment of the 2013 legislative session (August 7, 2013) unless a referendum petition is filed, in which case it requires voter approval at the November 2014 general election.