Chief Patron: Houck
Medicaid Dental Rates Increase to Commercial Rate

Item 325 #1s

Language
Page 301, line 39, strike "$59,794,091" and insert "$85,194,091".
Page 320, line 32, after "services", strike "by ten percent" and insert:
"to the average commercial rate in Virginia".

Explanation
(This amendment provides $12.0 million GF and $13.4 million NGF to increase Medicaid reimbursement for children's dental services to the average commercial rate for those services. All children enrolled in FAMIS and FAMIS Plus (Medicaid) are eligible for comprehensive dental care, however, only 25 percent of these children actually see a dentist each year. Only 17 percent of Virginia's dentists participate in these programs, primarily because current reimbursement rates are so low. Many parts of the state have no providers. An increase to the average commercial rate will encourage participation by dentists and improve oral and overall health for low income children.)