Maine state Sen. Heather Sanborn introduced a bill that would eliminate wait periods for children in Maine who are covered by private insurers to receive dental care, according to the Press Herald.
The bill, L.R. 2910 An Act to Facilitate Dental Treatment for Children, aims to require private insures to follow guidelines within the state's Medicaid program. MaineCare allows children to receive immediate coverage for dental treatment, with the goal to reduce hospitalization and tooth decay.
Under the new bill, private dental insurers would have to allow pediatric patients to receive the necessary care immediately without families paying out of pocket costs. Currently, patients can wait up to 12 months after enrolling to undergo treatment for tooth decay.
Private insures are arguing that the wait periods are necessary to avoid costs to newly enrolled patients' plans.