Maryland House Bill HB767

Maryland 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/31/24
• Refer: 1/31/24

Caption

Maryland Medical Assistance Program - Adult and Pediatric Dental Services - Reimbursement Rates

Impact

The proposed legislation aims to enhance access to dental care for recipients of the Maryland Medical Assistance Program. By establishing a process for reviewing and revising reimbursement rates, it addresses concerns that current rates may be insufficient for providers, which could ultimately limit patient access to necessary dental services. The bill stipulates that the reimbursement rates must meet or exceed a certain percentage of the average commercial rates in the state, reinforcing the need for adequate compensation for both adult and pediatric services.

Summary

House Bill 767 seeks to amend the Maryland Medical Assistance Program by establishing requirements for the Maryland Department of Health regarding the reimbursement rates for adult and pediatric dental services. Specifically, the bill mandates an annual review of the billed charges and reimbursement rates for these services, ensuring that they are adequately compensated to ensure access to care. This review must compare state rates with those paid under the federal Medicare fee schedule and will aim to adjust the reimbursement rates based on this analysis.

Contention

Discussions surrounding HB 767 may revolve around the balance of ensuring fair compensation for healthcare providers while also maintaining fiscal responsibility within the state budget. Proponents of the bill are likely to emphasize the importance of access to dental services, particularly for vulnerable populations reliant on state assistance. Conversely, there might be opposition focusing on concerns over the financial implications of raising reimbursement rates, potentially arguing that it could lead to increased costs for the state or result in funding constraints for other healthcare services.