"Healthy Smiles Act"; increases NJ FamilyCare fee-for-service reimbursement rates for pediatric dental services; requires NJ FamilyCare managed care rates for identical services be no less than fee-for-service rates.

The Healthy Smiles Act (A5471) increases NJ FamilyCare's fee-for-service reimbursement rates for pediatric dental services by 20% starting July 1, 2025, and requires managed care organizations to pay providers at least the same rate for identical services. It mandates annual adjustments to these rates based on the Northeast region's Consumer Price Index, beginning one year after implementation. The bill directly affects dental care providers serving NJ FamilyCare children under 21 and aims to improve access to dental care for low-income children, addressing historically low reimbursement rates that have been unchanged since 2007. Non-compliant managed care organizations face daily civil penalties of up to $10,000 for paying below the required rate.