FINAL BILL REPORT

SHB 2905

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

C 293 L 20

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description: Increasing outreach and engagement with access to baby and child dentistry programs.

Sponsors: House Committee on Appropriations (originally sponsored by Representatives J. Johnson, Riccelli, Caldier, Doglio, Pollet and Ryu).

House Committee on Appropriations

Senate Committee on Health & Long Term Care

Senate Committee on Ways & Means

Background:

The Health Care Authority (HCA) administers the Medicaid program, which is a state-federal program that pays for health care for low-income state residents who meet certain eligibility criteria. Benefits under the program vary according to a person's eligibility category which is determined by several factors including income, age, health condition, and disability status. Dental services for Medicaid clients are provided through a fee-for-service arrangement in which the dentist bills the HCA directly.

Children of certain ages enrolled in Medicaid may participate in the Access to Baby and Child Dentistry (ABCD) program at the HCA. The ABCD program provides enhanced fees to participating health care providers who provide additional services to participating children. The University of Washington's School of Dentistry and the Arcora Foundation provide management services, technical assistance, and provider recruitment and training for the ABCD program. The objective of the ABCD program is to identify and remove obstacles related to early preventive treatment such as transportation and language interpretation barriers. The additional services include family oral health education, application of fluoride, oral evaluations, restorations, therapeutic pulpotomies, amalgam and resin restoration on primary teeth, and services related to crowns. Participating providers include ABCD program-certified dental providers and other health care providers who have been approved by the HCA, including physicians, osteopathic physicians, advanced registered nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and osteopathic physician assistants.

Summary:

The HCA must, in consultation with the Office of Equity, develop a local ABCD program fund allocation formula, key deliverables, and target metrics for increased outreach and provider engagement and support. The HCA must collaborate with stakeholders to monitor progress towards reducing racial and ethnic disparities in access to care and oral health outcomes and increasing the percentage of Medicaid-enrolled children under the age of two accessing dental care. The HCA must also support local ABCD programs and providers.

Votes on Final Passage:

House

96

0

Senate

49

0

(Senate amended)

House

97

0

(House concurred)

Effective:

June 11, 2020