Legislature(2005 - 2006)
2005-01-24 House Journal
Full Journal pdf2005-01-24 House Journal Page 0151 HB 105 HOUSE BILL NO. 105 by the House Rules Committee by request of the Governor, entitled: "An Act relating to coverage for adult dental services under Medicaid; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Health, Education & Social Services and Finance Committees. The following fiscal note(s) apply: 1. Fiscal, Dept. of Health & Social Services The Governor's transmittal letter dated January 21, 2005, follows: "Dear Speaker Harris: Under the authority of art. III, sec. 18, of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to coverage for adult dental services for eligible recipients under the Medicaid program (AS 47.07). The State of Alaska's Medicaid program currently provides inadequate coverage for adult dental services. The services covered under existing law are limited to procedures for relief of pain and acute infection, and don't include necessary preventative or restorative treatment. This level of service often leads to the extraction of permanent teeth. Missing and decayed teeth (especially front teeth) can affect an individual's employability and/or career advancement opportunities. Furthermore, studies have documented the links and/or 2005-01-24 House Journal Page 0152 complications between dental disease and other chronic diseases including cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Recent studies have also implicated periodontal disease as a risk factor for pre-term, low birth-weight births. Diseases of the mouth are not distinctly different from diseases in the rest of the body. The limitation for dental coverage is largely a distinction based on the type of health care provider; in that diseases of the oral cavity are largely treated by dentists. The lack of coverage to prevent more severe dental problems and/or extractions before they become "dental emergencies" often results in more expensive dental care and limits the dentist's ability to address dental problems. Dentists have reported frustration with not being able to treat teeth earlier before the person is in pain and when less costly treatment could be provided. This bill would allow the Department of Health and Social Services to expand dental coverage to encompass preventative and restorative care for approximately 41,000 Alaskans enrolled in the Medicaid program. Specifically, this bill would repeal AS 47.07.900(1), defining adult dental services as the minimum treatment for the immediate relief of pain and acute infection provided by a licensed dentist. Under the bill, the Department of Health and Social Services would adopt regulations implementing the expanded service, which could include regulations defining the scope of services, a maximum amount of benefits per fiscal year, and the amount of reimbursement for dental services. The Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority has recognized access to dental services as a priority issue for their beneficiaries and has committed funding for part of the matching funds needed for this service expansion. The expanded services would be provided under an annual cap of $1,150 per adult at the outset. The cap is intended to control costs of the service expansion and encourage the dentist and client to discuss priorities and treatment options. The Department of Health and Social Services and the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority agreed to use this expenditure cap as a starting point to provide a level of service that would allow elderly Alaskans to receive a complete set of dentures over a two-year period. The dental expenditure cap for expanded services would not apply to the existing Medicaid coverage for emergency dental services. 2005-01-24 House Journal Page 0153 I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely yours, /s/ Frank H. Murkowski Governor"