An Act increasing access to MassHealth dental providers

This bill creates supplemental payments for dental providers who serve additional MassHealth patients. It provides $31 per qualifying patient encounter to dentists or hygienists who see at least 10 more MassHealth beneficiaries aged 21+ compared to the previous year, specifically in 10 designated municipalities with high MassHealth enrollment but low dental service use. Eligible providers must be licensed in Massachusetts, enrolled with MassHealth, and serve patients in these target areas. The payment rate may be adjusted later through existing review processes. The bill directly affects dental providers in underserved communities seeking to expand access to older MassHealth enrollees.