§ 22 §3174-S — Access to dental services for children under Medicaid (REALLOCATED FROM TITLE 22, SECTION 3174-R)

The department shall increase access to comprehensive dental care for children under the Medicaid program so that services are received on a timely basis in the regions of the State in which they live, in accordance with this section.
1.
Telephone referral service.
By April 1, 1998, the department shall establish a toll-free telephone referral service to provide individuals with information on dental services and assistance in accessing dental services. The telephone service must provide persons calling about dental services with oral notice of the availability of assistance in arranging for appointments for dental screening and necessary corrective treatment, transportation to dental appointments and other services necessary to ensure access.
2.
Increasing providers.
The department shall work with a statewide dental association and dentists in the State to increase the number of providers of dental care and the number participating in the Medicaid program.
2-A.
School-based preventive oral health services.
By January 1, 2025, the department shall provide preventive oral health services through the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention in all schools in the State.
3.
Goal.
It is the goal of the Legislature that children enrolled in the Medicaid program in all regions of the State receive at least one preventive dental visit annually.
4.
Annual report.
By February 15, 1999 and annually thereafter, the department shall submit to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over health and human services matters an annual report containing information related to the progress of the department in meeting the goal stated in subsection 3 and an action plan to increase access to dental care. The report must include an analysis of the progress being made in increasing access, the problems incurred within the prior year and corrective action to be taken. The action plan must consider the following strategies to increase access: nonprofit clinics; purchase of practice clinics; enhanced reimbursement for dentists serving a large number of children under the Medicaid program; and contracts with dental clinics and health centers to provide dental care. After February 15, 2023, the report must be submitted by December 31st annually and must also include the status of preventive oral health services provided in schools pursuant to subsection 2‑A and methods for maximizing Medicaid funding as permitted by federal law for oral health staff positions within the department and school-based preventive oral health services.

Legislative History

RR 1997, c. 2, §45 (RAL). PL 2021, c. 635, Pt. AAA, §§1-3 (AMD).