This bill proposes changes to the administration of dental services under Minnesota's Medical Assistance and MinnesotaCare programs. It aims to modify requirements for dental administrator rates, adjust contract timelines, and establish a Critical Access Dental Provider Task Force to study potential impacts of these changes.

Key Provisions:

1. Changes to the Dental Administrator Contract:

   • The Minnesota Commissioner of Human Services will evaluate whether managed care and county-based purchasing plans meet performance benchmarks for 2024.
   • If they do not meet the benchmarks, the state will contract with a single dental administrator to manage dental services for all enrollees starting in 2030 (previously 2026).
   • This administrator will provide services like provider recruitment, recipient outreach, claims processing, and fraud management.
   • Payments to dental providers must follow current Medicaid and MinnesotaCare reimbursement rates.
   • Enrollees must have a choice of dental providers who meet participation requirements.
   • If the administrator fails to ensure that at least 55% of continuously enrolled children and adults receive a dental visit by 2032 (previously 2029), the contract will be terminated.

2. Establishment of the Critical Access Dental Provider Task Force:

   • The task force will assess the financial and operational impact of using a single dental administrator.
   • It will examine reimbursement changes, funding opportunities, and the risk of service disruptions.
   • The task force includes state legislators, representatives from dental associations, nonprofit and private dental clinics, and rural health advocates.
   • A report with findings and recommendations must be submitted to the legislature by January 15, 2027.

Purpose:

• Ensure dental service accessibility for low-income populations.
• Protect financial stability of Critical Access Dental Providers.
• Evaluate potential risks of transitioning to a single dental administrator.
• Provide recommendations to the Minnesota Legislature for maintaining or improving dental care access.

The bill reflects efforts to reform dental care delivery within state-funded programs while safeguarding provider viability and patient access.