HI HB1754

Appropriates funds to restore diagnostic, preventive, and restorative dental benefits to adult medicaid enrollees under Option 2, which includes basic dental benefits, core prosthodontic services, and periodontal services

Requires the Department of Human Services to obtain the maximum federal matching funds available and pursue all other funding sources, including private grants, before expending general revenues

Addresses findings that Hawaii's adult medicaid beneficiaries represent 47% of emergency room dental services despite comprising 25% of the population, with an average of 2,700 emergency room visits per year between 2016-2020 costing $21.7 million

Notes that since 2009, the State has limited adult medicaid dental coverage to emergency-only care (pain relief, injuries, trauma, and tooth extraction), eliminating preventive and restorative services

Cites research estimating Option 2 costs $19.9 million annually ($8.45 per enrollee) but could generate $1.9 million to $5.3 million in annual medical cost savings through reduced emergency visits and improved outcomes for patients with diabetes, coronary artery disease, and pregnant women