Bill > H1401

This bill aims to increase access to dental services for MassHealth (Massachusetts' Medicaid program) beneficiaries aged 21 and older by creating a financial incentive for dental providers. The legislation would provide supplemental payments of $31 per patient encounter to eligible dental providers who increase their MassHealth patient load by at least ten patients compared to the previous year. These supplemental payments will be available only to dentists and public health dental hygienists licensed in Massachusetts who are enrolled with MassHealth and provide services in ten specific municipalities designated by the secretary of health and human services as having high MassHealth enrollment but low dental service utilization. To qualify, providers must meet specific criteria, including being licensed, MassHealth-enrolled, increasing their patient load, and practicing in the designated municipalities. The secretary of health and human services will have the authority to re-evaluate the payment rate and promulgate regulations defining the eligible municipalities based on MassHealth enrollment and utilization data. The program is subject to appropriation, meaning funding will depend on available state budget resources.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H1401