An Act Concerning Payment Parity For Dental Services Funded Under The Husky Health Program.
If enacted, SB00984 would require changes to the state's financial structures within the HUSKY Health program, mandating that dental services billed to the state be reimbursed at consistent rates, regardless of the provider type. This shift is intended to improve access to dental care, especially for underserved populations who rely on these 'safety net' providers. By enforcing payment parity, the bill could also help stabilize the financial viability of these providers, enabling them to maintain or expand services for low-income patients.
SB00984, titled 'An Act Concerning Payment Parity for Dental Services Funded Under the HUSKY Health Program', proposes to amend the state's reimbursement policies to ensure equal payment rates for dental services provided by specific types of healthcare providers. The legislation targets federally qualified health centers and non-profit 'safety net' providers, who are independent of hospitals and must be licensed as dentists or dental hygienists. The primary aim of this bill is to create a more equitable reimbursement system for dental services under the HUSKY Health program, which is Connecticut's Medicaid program.
While the bill is expected to receive support from healthcare advocates and providers seeking to reduce disparities in healthcare access, there may be concerns from fiscal conservative groups regarding the financial implications for the state budget. Questions may arise around how these changes will be funded and whether equal reimbursement rates will lead to increases in service costs or impact budgeting for other health initiatives. As with many healthcare reform measures, the dialogue surrounding SB00984 may navigate the complexities of balancing healthcare accessibility and state financial stewardship.