HI SB467

Appropriates funds to the Department of Human Services for fiscal years 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 to conduct a fiscal analysis or study on restoring preventative and restorative adult dental benefits to Medicaid enrollees.

Requires the analysis to examine limited dental benefits already provided by Ohana Health Plan and AlohaCare, and project costs to the State to restore comprehensive adult dental benefits including potential matching federal funds.

Mandates the Department of Human Services report findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the legislature no later than twenty days before the start of the 2020 regular session.

Establishes that Hawaii currently provides only emergency dental coverage (pain relief, injuries, trauma, or extractions) for Medicaid-eligible adults while comprehensive dental coverage remains mandatory for enrolled children.

Notes that 2016 emergency room visits related to dental problems cost the State over $6.6 million with more than half involving Medicaid recipients, and projects that expanded dental benefits could reduce acute oral health emergencies and improve overall health outcomes.