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Committee hears lengthy testimony on Medicaid reimbursement for sedated dental care for adults with intellectual disabilities; bill held for more work
Summary
Representative Julie Mayberry's HB1241 amendment would expand Medicaid reimbursement to cover dental procedures requiring deep sedation for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities; families and dental providers described long waits and inadequate reimbursement, and DHS said it is negotiating single‑case agreements with UAMS.
State Representative Julie Mayberry (sponsor) opened debate over an amendment to HB 1241 designed to expand Medicaid reimbursement for dental procedures that require deep sedation or general anesthesia for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The amendment: raised the minimum age from 12 to 18, added "academic medical institutions" (including UAMS and dental school) as eligible providers, and adjusted language around reimbursement timing.
Why it matters: Families, dentists, and advocates told the committee that many adults with severe cognitive impairment cannot tolerate routine dental care without sedation and that providers have little financial incentive to deliver these services under current Medicaid reimbursement. Witnesses said the effect is long wait times, avoidable medical complications, and emergency‑only care for a large community of Arkansans.
Key testimony - Katrina Robertson, resident and parent/guardian: "There is so many that they can't get them all in, so they prioritize up to age 12... if you're over age 12, yes, they can see you, but they really don't see you because…
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