HI HR134

Urges the Department of Human Services to conduct a full study on reimplementing adult dental benefits for Hawaii Medicaid enrollees, nearly a decade after the state eliminated all but emergency dental coverage.

Study must examine a range of adult Medicaid dental benefit options including basic, comprehensive, and population-specific coverage for diagnostic, preventive, and restorative services offered by other states.

Study must estimate the cost to Hawaii's Medicaid program for each option, including costs eligible for federal matching funds, and project long-term financial benefits of reinstating dental benefits.

Study must include feedback from community and stakeholders on dental benefits reimplementation.

Department of Human Services must submit a report with findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation to the Legislature no later than 20 days before the 2020 Regular Session convenes.