Texas Senate Bill SB1152

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to Medicaid reimbursement for dental services provided to certain adults with disabilities.

Impact

The introduction of SB1152 could significantly improve healthcare outcomes for many adults with disabilities in Texas. By ensuring access to preventive dental services, the bill addresses a critical gap in healthcare that can lead to serious medical conditions. This change may alleviate some burden on emergency health services and promote better overall health among individuals who often face systemic barriers to care.

Summary

SB1152 seeks to enhance Medicaid reimbursement for dental services specifically for adults with disabilities enrolled in the STAR+PLUS Medicaid managed care program. The bill mandates that at least one preventive dental care visit per year be covered to prevent severe health complications that arise from a lack of dental access. This initiative is crucial as it aims to reduce emergency room visits that result from dental issues, which can lead to costly medical expenses and significant health declines for this vulnerable group.

Contention

While the bill is positioned as beneficial, there are potential concerns regarding its implementation, particularly with respect to the inclusion criteria. Specifically, adults eligible for the STAR+PLUS home and community-based services (HCBS) waiver program are excluded from this benefit. This raises questions about equity in healthcare access among similar demographic groups, alongside concerns about whether existing resources are sufficient to meet the projected increase in demand for dental services resulting from this legislation.