This bill proposes to amend current statutes regarding dental care coverage under the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS). Under the current law, individuals aged 21 and older are entitled to emergency dental care and extractions up to $1,000 annually. The bill would expand this coverage to include comprehensive dental care, including extractions, specifically for women who are at least 21 years old and in any stage of pregnancy. Additionally, it introduces new appropriations of $500,000 from the state general fund and an unspecified amount from federal Medicaid authority for fiscal year 2027 to support this expanded dental benefit.

Furthermore, the bill mandates a report from AHCCCS by October 1, 2027, detailing the actual costs incurred for providing dental services to pregnant women and any costs associated with eligibility changes due to the introduction of this benefit. The bill also includes a technical change to the existing language regarding limited benefit coverage for incarcerated individuals. Overall, the proposed changes aim to enhance dental care access for pregnant women while ensuring accountability through reporting requirements.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 36-2907