Get AI Briefings, Transcripts & Alerts on Local & National Government Meetings — Forever.
House subcommittee advances bill to tighten Medicaid dental-network standards for children
Loading...
Summary
The Health Care Facilities & Systems Subcommittee voted to report favorably PCS for HB 517, directing AHCA to set standards for Medicaid dental managed-care provider directories and time/distance network criteria after advocates described families driving hours or waiting months to find pediatric dental care.
The Health Care Facilities & Systems Subcommittee on Tuesday reported favorably a proposed committee substitute for HB 517, a bill that would strengthen statutory requirements for Medicaid managed-care dental networks and provider directories.
Representative Tremont, the bill sponsor, told the panel the measure directs the Agency for Health Care Administration to establish standards to ensure dental managed-care plans maintain accurate, accessible provider directories and meet time-and-distance requirements to improve access for children and families enrolled in Medicaid. "This bill simply enhances the statutory requirements for Medicaid managed care plans related to prepaid dental plan network adequacy," Representative Tremont said.
Joanne Hart, chief legislative officer for the Florida Dental Association, told the committee families frequently receive outdated provider lists and sometimes drive up to two hours or wait months for a first appointment. "This is not access," Hart said, urging the agency to enforce standards so families can find appropriate care without endless calls. Ronald Watson of Florida Voices for Health also waved in support.
Hart outlined specific directory elements the bill would require AHCA to direct plans to include: whether an office is accepting new patients, what types of sedation a practice offers, and whether a dentist is a specialist or a generalist. She also pointed to low Medicaid dental reimbursement rates and urged further discussion on funding increases, noting the last substantial fee increase occurred in 2011.
Committee members asked no substantive questions during testimony, and the PCS moved forward without amendments. Enola called the roll; the chair announced the committee reported the PCS favorably, 17 yeas, 0 nays.
The measure now moves to the full House committee process for further consideration.
