A Kentucky legislator has introduced a bill that would significantly increase Medicaid reimbursements for dentists, WDRB reported Feb. 26.
Dentists in the state are reimbursed between 25 to 30 percent of the total cost of a Medicaid service for each patient. Senate Bill 87, introduced by Sen. Ralph Alvarado, would establish a minimum reimbursement of at least the cost of the service.
Mr. Alvarado told the news station the bill is needed to keep dental offices from shutting down. It would also increase access for low-income residents by encouraging dentists to participate in the program, according to Phillip Schuler, DMD, of Mortenson Family Dental in Louisville.
The bill has been sent to the state Senate's budget committee for approval.