HI HB787

Appropriates unspecified state general revenue funds for fiscal years 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 to restore diagnostic, preventive, and restorative dental benefits to adult Medicaid enrollees in Hawaii.

Requires the Department of Human Services to obtain maximum available federal matching funds for the appropriation.

Restores benefits that were eliminated nearly a decade prior, when the state removed all but emergency dental coverage for Medicaid-eligible adults.

Addresses documented increases in emergency room dental visits (nearly 5,000 visits in 2016 costing over $6.6 million, with Medicaid recipients comprising more than half of these visits).

Takes effect July 1, 2019.