HI SB467

Appropriates funds to the Department of Human Services for fiscal year 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 currently provided by 'Ohana Health Plan and AlohaCare, and project costs to the State and available federal matching funds.

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

Documents that Hawaii currently provides only emergency dental coverage for adults on Medicaid, while comprehensive coverage is mandatory for children, and that dental-related emergency room visits cost the State over $6.6 million in 2016.

Cites research showing individuals with dental coverage are 42% more likely to have annual dental checkups and that restoring benefits could reduce emergency room dental visits and improve overall health outcomes.