HB 19-1038 Summary

• Requires the medical services board to include dental services for all pregnant women enrolled in the Children's Basic Health Plan beginning October 1, 2019, extending coverage that previously applied only to enrolled children.

• Appropriates $66,955 for fiscal year 2019-20 to the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing, consisting of $45,267 from the Children's Basic Health Plan trust and $21,688 from the healthcare affordability and sustainability fee cash fund.

• Addresses gaps in dental coverage for approximately 900 pregnant women under the program and notes that 25% of Colorado pregnant women lacked dental insurance in 2016.

• Identifies oral health risks during pregnancy, including increased susceptibility to dental caries, gingivitis, and periodontal disease, which have been linked to adverse birth outcomes such as pre-term birth and low birth weight.

• Anticipates receipt of $372,470 in federal funds for 2019-20 to support implementation of the dental service expansion for pregnant women.