A bill introduced by the Minnesota House would establish a pilot program to fund dental services at community centers, the House said March 23.
Five notes:
1. HF4472 would fund dental practices providing care to low-income residents at community settings throughout the state such as schools, homeless shelters and group homes.
2. The pilot project funding the programs would begin by July 1, 2023, and be based on recommendations set by the state's Dental Services Advisory Committee.
3. Funded programs would be selected based on several factors, including geographic distribution; provider size, type and location; providers serving different priority populations; health equity issues; and provider accessibility for patients with varying levels and types of disability.
4. After the project's end, the Minnesota Department of Human Services would be required to report results to the state legislature and recommend whether aspects of the project should be extended to all Medical Assistance and MinnesotaCare dental providers, the state's Medicaid programs.
5. The bill is sponsored by Rep. Liz Reyer.