Mississippi House Bill HB763

Mississippi 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/17/22
• Refer: 1/17/22
• Failed: 2/1/22

Caption

Medicaid; provide for a separate managed care program for dental services and dental services providers.

Impact

The passage of HB 763 will significantly influence how dental services are administered under the Medicaid program in Mississippi. By separating dental services from broader managed care programs, the intent is to provide more focused management, improve service delivery, and potentially elevate the quality and accessibility of dental care among beneficiaries. This restructuring aligns with ongoing trends in healthcare to enhance specialized service delivery models.

Summary

House Bill 763 amends Section 43-13-117 of the Mississippi Code, directing the Division of Medicaid to establish a separate managed care program specifically for dental services and dental service providers effective from October 1, 2022. This legislative initiative aims to streamline dental care management while delineating dental services from other managed care programs, ensuring specialized oversight and management of these services.

Contention

While the bill is anticipated to improve the management of dental care, it may face scrutiny regarding its implementation and the effectiveness of carving dental services out of broader managed care frameworks. Some stakeholders might raise concerns about the potential for fragmented care and whether this could lead to reduced accessibility or coordination of care for patients requiring both dental and other medical services. There may also be debates over the adequacy of funding and provider participation in this new program.