HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

906

THIRTIETH LEGISLATURE, 2019

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

relating to dental health.

 

 

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

 


     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that poor oral health is linked with respiratory disease, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes.  Dental diseases also contribute to cardiac issues and premature births.  Furthermore, unaddressed dental needs affect the ability of individuals to obtain and keep employment.  The legislature finds that among the medicaid programs that need to be fully funded are dental benefits for adults.  It is in the best interest of the State to ensure access to dental health care for its residents as oral health is an essential part of general health and well-being.

     The purpose of this Act is to improve access to dental health care in the State by restoring basic adult dental benefits to medicaid enrollees.

     SECTION 2.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $         or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2020-2021 to restore basic adult dental benefits to medicaid enrollees.  The department of human services shall obtain the maximum federal matching funds available for this expenditure.

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

     SECTION 3.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2020.

 

INTRODUCED BY:

_____________________________

 

 


 


 

Report Title:

Dental Health; Restoration of Benefits; Appropriation

 

Description:

Restores basic adult dental health benefits to Medicaid enrollees.  Appropriates funds for this purpose.

 

 

 

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.