A bill has been introduced in the North Carolina General Assembly that would generate a nearly 50% jump in the Medicaid reimbursement rate for dentists, according to an April 22 report from NC Health News.
Senate Bill 805 proposes giving the state Department of Health and Human Services $80 million from the state general fund to increase reimbursement rates.
Currently, the dental reimbursement rate is about 34 cents on the dollar. That rate would climb to about 50 cents if the bill is approved.
Less than half of dentists in North Carolina accept Medicaid, in part due to insufficient reimbursements, the report said.
North Carolina was recently ranked 40th on a list of the states with the best and worst dental health published by personal finance website WalletHub.
The bipartisan bill was referred to the Rules and Operations of the Senate committee on April 22.
At the Becker's 5th Annual Future of Dentistry Roundtable, taking place September 14-15 in Chicago, dental leaders and executives will gain insights into emerging technologies, practice growth strategies and the evolving landscape of dental care delivery, with a focus on innovation, patient experience and operational excellence. Apply for complimentary registration now.
