HOUSE BILL NO. 26 "An Act repealing the repeal of preventative and restorative adult dental services reimbursement under Medicaid; providing for an effective date by repealing the effective date of sec. 3, ch. 52, SLA 2006; and providing for an effective date." 10:52:01 AM JULI, LUCKY, STAFF TO REPRESENTATIVE HAWKER, reviewed the bill. She noted that the bill presented a preventive approach to dental care. She explained that the current legislation allows coverage of incidence including pain and infection and preventive care was not included. Restorative care such as fillings or root canals was also exempt from coverage. The proposed legislation covers preventive care, root canals, fillings and dentures. 10:54:52 AM BRAD WHISTLER DDS, DENTAL OFFICER, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES, explained the coverage allowed by the bill. He agreed that the legislation allows coverage of routine dental visits, routine fillings, denture services, periodontal maintenance, and root canal therapy. Co-Chair Hoffman asked if Alaska natives are eligible for dental care through Medicaid. Mr. Whistler answered yes as long as the individuals are enrolled in Medicaid. Senator Ellis requested more information regarding Medicaid and dentures. Mr. Whistler explained that an annual limit per recipient was set at $1,150, which is enough to cover either an upper or a lower denture. 10:57:26 AM Senator Olson asked what happens during an abscess or detrimental problem that might prove fatal. Mr. Whistler stated that these situations are not subject to the annual limit. Senator Thomas noted that missed appointments with Medicaid patients are a common complaint from dentists. He asked if there was an attempt to ameliorate this issue. Mr. Whistler responded that the department addressed a variety of issues with the Medicaid program. The issue of missed appointments can be addressed by tracking those patients who repeatedly miss appointments. Senator Thomas opined that a proper provision might deter a patient from missing appointments. 11:00:09 AM Ms. Lucky noted that the caps were not altered in this legislation. She explained that the prior committees were in agreement about a policy call regarding the annual limit. She explained that one set of dentures was decided upon as the other body was concerned that costs may balloon out of control. She acknowledged those people who believed that the program is new and should proceed for a couple of years prior to changing the cap. Co-Chair Stedman mentioned the fiscal note from the Department of Health and Social Services reflecting $2,529,700 general fund to secure $5,755,800 in federal receipts as funding for the general fund match. The fiscal note is included in the FY10 operating budget. HB 26 was HEARD and HELD in Committee for further consideration. 11:02:29 AM