Report Title:

Dental services; adults

 

Description:

Appropriates funds to the department of health for start-up costs and dental services for indigent adults. Appropriates funds to the department of human services to reinstate basic dental services for adults in the State's medicaid and QUEST programs.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

252

TWENTY-FIRST LEGISLATURE, 2001

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 


 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

MAKING AN APPROPRIATION FOR BASIC DENTAL SERVICES FOR ADULTS.

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that access to basic dental services is important to a person's overall health and well-being. Early treatment of dental problems may also prevent serious health complications in the future.

In 1996, basic dental services for adults enrolled in Medicaid and QUEST programs were terminated. Since 1996, only emergency dental services have been covered by these programs. Many low-income adults in these programs are unable to pay out-of-pocket expenses for basic dental services, such as filling cavities or teeth cleaning. Therefore, these individuals elect not to seek these needed services and often suffer serious health consequences. The legislature acknowledges that there are many indigent adults who do not qualify for either medicaid or QUEST benefits and who are also in need of basic dental care services.

Good dental health increases pride and self-esteem, which is essential for those who are making a transition from welfare to work. For those on welfare, dental care has been identified as an essential need and factor in their ability to secure employment. Therefore, restoring basic dental services for indigent adults is in line with current welfare reform. The legislature believes that the department of human services should reinstate the basic dental services for adults in the State's medicaid and QUEST programs as soon as possible, and has provided an appropriation for this purpose.

The legislature further finds that enhancing the capacity in areas lacking in dental services for indigent adults, supporting the ability of community-based health centers, and contracting with other community dental services providers are a cost-effective and rational approach to providing basic dental services to target populations.

The legislature encourages the department of human services to work with the United States Department of Health and Human Services to incorporate these services under the current state budget ceiling and under the new waiver renewal process.

The purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds to the department of health and the department of human services to provide basic dental services statewide to indigent adults and other target populations.

SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $1 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2001-2002 for start-up costs and dental services for indigent adults.

The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of health for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 3. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $1 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2001-2002 to reinstate basic dental services for adults in the State's medicaid and QUEST programs.

The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of human services for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2001.

INTRODUCED BY:

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