Bill > AB1717

This bill aims to increase the reimbursement rate for dentists providing services to Medi-Cal beneficiaries in their homes or extended care facilities, recognizing the travel costs involved in delivering care outside of a dental office. Currently, the maximum allowance for such a visit, identified by the billing code D9410, is only $20. The proposed legislation, which adds Section 14132.87 to the Welfare and Institutions Code, mandates that the State Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), which administers Medi-Cal, adjust this rate to a minimum of $120 per patient per day. Furthermore, this rate will be reviewed and adjusted every two years to account for inflation and updated provider cost data, ensuring it never drops below the $120 minimum. The DHCS will also be required to report to the Legislature every two years on how these rate increases affect patient access to dental care, how often these services are used, and whether they lead to fewer emergency room visits for dental issues. Importantly, the implementation of these changes is contingent upon the Legislature appropriating the necessary funds, obtaining any required federal approvals, and ensuring the availability of federal financial participation, which is a key component of funding for the Medi-Cal program.

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB1717