HB 1461 Summary

• Revises adult dental services as optional Medicaid services, allowing the Agency for Health Care Administration to pay for preventive, restorative, and emergency dental care for recipients age 21 and older, including routine cleanings, fillings, extractions, root canals, crowns, dentures, and emergency procedures.

• Extends the deadline for the agency to seek state plan amendments and federal waivers to commence enrollment in the Medicaid prepaid dental health program from July 1, 2017 to March 1, 2024.

• Extends the term of existing dental managed care provider contracts from December 31, 2024 to December 31, 2025, while establishing that new contracts beginning in 2023 must be for 6 years and cannot be renewed (though the agency may extend terms to cover transition delays).

• Establishes minimum benefits for the Medicaid prepaid dental health program: children under age 21 must receive all early and periodic screening, diagnostic, and treatment services; adults aged 21 and older must receive preventive, restorative, and emergency dental care as specified.

• Takes effect July 1, 2023.