Bill > H3987

This bill proposes to improve dental care access for MassHealth (Massachusetts' Medicaid) recipients by requiring dentists to serve a minimum percentage of MassHealth patients as a condition of maintaining their professional license. Specifically, the bill mandates that dentists accept at least 5% of MassHealth patients in their practice, with the exact percentage determined by regional needs and the provider's capacity. Dentists must annually document their compliance, and those who fail to meet these requirements may face license suspension or administrative penalties. To support this initiative, the bill calls for creating an online portal to help MassHealth recipients find participating dental providers, offering student loan forgiveness for dentists who consistently serve MassHealth patients, and providing increased reimbursement rates. The bill also includes provisions for emergency dental care, ensuring that any licensed dentist can treat a MassHealth recipient in urgent situations (such as acute pain, infection, or trauma) and receive a 10% bonus above standard reimbursement rates. Additionally, the executive office of health and human services must produce an annual report tracking dentist participation, patient service levels, and recommendations for improving dental care access. The bill will take effect 180 days after its passage.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H3987