S.B. 2459 Summary

• Appropriates general revenue funds for fiscal year 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 and pursue all alternative funding sources (including private grants) before expending state general revenues.

• Addresses Hawaii's failure to provide adult Medicaid dental coverage since 2009, when the state eliminated preventative and restorative services in favor of emergency-only dental care.

• Notes that approximately 180,000 adult Medicaid beneficiaries currently lack preventive dental coverage, contributing to increased emergency room visits (over $17 million in direct costs in 2016) and poor oral health outcomes.

• Takes effect July 1, 2050.