HI SB1240

Requires the Hawaii health connector to provide information specifying that all individuals under age nineteen must be covered by a plan containing pediatric dental coverage as part of essential health benefits under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

Addresses findings that tooth decay rates among Hawaii children are twice as high as mainland children, with less than 19% of local six-year-olds having cavity-free permanent teeth compared to 94% on the mainland.

Notes that emergency department treatment for dental caries costs approximately $6,498 compared to preventive dental care at $660, demonstrating significant cost savings through preventive coverage.

Recognizes that medical insurance is a strong predictor of dental care access, with uninsured children 2.5 times less likely to receive dental care than insured children.

Takes effect July 1, 2112.