Committee forwards HB 3084 requiring cancer-related oral health coverage to finance

A Senate committee voted to report House Bill 3084 to the full Senate with a recommendation that it do pass, and to refer the measure first to the Committee on Finance. The bill would require health benefit plans issued or renewed on or after July 1, 2026, to provide coverage for oral health medical procedures necessary as a side effect of cancer treatment, including evaluations, examinations, lab assessments, medications, restoration, rehabilitation, medical devices and prostheses necessary to restore functions related to eating, breathing, voice, speech and swallowing.

Counsel told the committee that the bill creates new sections across PEIA, Medicaid and insurance chapters to effect those requirements and that PEIA and Medicaid would need to report the costs of the change to the joint committee on government and finance after one year. Counsel said three fiscal notes were provided: the Insurance Commission said it had no operational fiscal impact but that private insurance premiums could be affected though data were lacking; Medicaid indicated it anticipated no fiscal impact because services are already covered; and PEIA provided a fiscal note estimating $350,000 in impact because PEIA does not currently cover those dental procedures related to cancer treatment.

During committee discussion, senators asked whether Medicaid already covers the services; counsel said Medicaid indicated no fiscal impact because the services are already covered. The vice chair moved the bill be reported to the full Senate with the finance referral and the committee approved the motion by voice vote.

If passed, HB 3084 would require broad private and public plan coverage for oral health procedures when necessary as a side effect of cancer treatment and would require PEIA and Medicaid reporting on costs to the joint committee on government and finance.