An Act Concerning Husky Health Program Payment Parity For Safety Net Husky Dental Providers.
The proposed bill directly addresses issues of inequity in payment structures within the state's health care system, particularly for dental services. Should this bill pass, it may enhance the viability of safety net providers, thereby improving their ability to deliver essential dental care to vulnerable groups, including low-income individuals and families who rely on Medicaid. This could also encourage more dental professionals to serve in these safety net capacities, addressing some gaps in dental care access across the state.
House Bill 06092 proposes to amend Title 17b of the general statutes to establish payment parity for dental and dental hygiene services provided by safety net providers. The bill specifically targets federally qualified health centers and non-profit dental providers who are not affiliated with hospitals or health centers but serve a substantial proportion of Medicaid recipients. The intention behind this legislation is to ensure that safety net providers receive equal compensation for their services compared to other dental providers within the HUSKY Health program. This is aimed at improving access to dental care for underserved populations in the state.
While the bill has the potential to significantly enhance dental care access, it may face opposition from certain quarters concerned about the fiscal implications of adjusting payment structures. Stakeholders could argue against shifting funding or resources to support the increased payments for safety net providers, particularly if this results in budget reallocations or cuts to other services. Additionally, there may be concerns raised regarding the overarching impact on the state's overall healthcare financing, with proponents needing to clearly articulate how this bill will harmonize with existing health care funding policies.