The bill establishes a dental home pilot project under the direction of the commissioner of human services in Minnesota. The project aims to enhance access to dental care for medical assistance and MinnesotaCare enrollees, improve patient experiences, and achieve better oral health outcomes while ensuring the financial sustainability of the dental workforce. The pilot project will adhere to recommendations from the Dental Services Advisory Committee and will include specific baseline requirements and performance measures related to access, patient experience, and clinical outcomes. The commissioner is tasked with developing a project design, timeline, and criteria for provider participation, which must be implemented by July 1, 2024.
Additionally, the bill mandates regular reporting on the project's progress and outcomes, with updates provided to legislative committees overseeing health care finance and policy. The commissioner is also required to evaluate the effectiveness of value-based payments to providers based on performance measures. To support the initiative, the bill appropriates funds from the general fund for fiscal years 2024 and 2025, with a specified base for subsequent years. This comprehensive approach aims to create a sustainable model for dental care delivery that addresses the needs of diverse populations and enhances overall oral health in the state.