"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.

S 4298, the "Healthy Smiles Act," increases NJ FamilyCare's fee-for-service reimbursement rates for pediatric dental services by 20% starting July 2025, directly affecting dental providers and the 20% of New Jersey residents enrolled in NJ FamilyCare (primarily low-income children). It requires managed care organizations to pay providers at least the same rate as the new fee-for-service rate for identical services. The bill mandates annual rate adjustments based on the Northeast region's Consumer Price Index to keep pace with inflation. These changes aim to improve access to dental care by addressing historically low reimbursement rates that limited provider participation.