Public University Dental School Intergovernmental Transfer Program.
By facilitating intergovernmental transfers, the bill seeks to ensure these dental schools can bridge the funding gap for unreimbursed care, thus expanding their capacity to serve Medi-Cal beneficiaries. The program is designed to benefit not just the institutions, but primarily the patients who face delays and barriers in accessing dental care. This legislative action arises from a recognized need to improve dental health outcomes, especially among vulnerable populations who often experience higher rates of dental disease and challenges in accessing timely treatment.
Assembly Bill 2146 introduces the Public University Dental School Intergovernmental Transfer Program aimed at enhancing access to dental care for California's low-income populations, particularly those served by Medi-Cal. This legislation mandates the establishment, implementation, and maintenance of a program that allows public university dental schools to utilize intergovernmental transfers to support training and dental services. The intent is to provide necessary funding to dental schools, which serve as vital safety nets for underserved communities, including individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities who often struggle to access regular dental care.
While the bill presents clear benefits, especially in terms of enhancing dental care access for those with special health needs, there may be concerns regarding the voluntary nature of the funding contributions from public entities, and whether the program can secure sufficient federal financial participation. Additionally, the prohibition on the department charging fees for administrative costs might lead to questions about the program's sustainability in the long term. Nonetheless, proponents argue that fully funding these clinics will facilitate improved health outcomes and reduce waiting times, addressing a significant gap in California's healthcare system.