This bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, specifically section 256B.0371, subdivision 3, to modify the requirements for dental administrator rates in the medical assistance and MinnesotaCare programs. Notably, the bill changes the start date for the dental administrator's contract from January 1, 2026, to January 1, 2030. It also removes the requirement for dental administrator payments to be established under specific sections and instead mandates that the administrator agrees to payment rates set by the commissioner. Additionally, the bill introduces a new provision that if the dental administrator fails to meet certain performance benchmarks by 2032, the contract must be terminated, and a new administrator must be contracted.

Furthermore, the bill establishes a Critical Access Dental Provider Task Force tasked with assessing the impacts of contracting with a single dental administrator on the financial viability of critical access dental providers and access to care for enrollees. The task force will evaluate various factors, including reimbursement impacts and potential disruptions to integrated care coordination. It is required to submit a report by January 15, 2027, detailing its findings and recommendations to ensure the financial stability of critical access dental providers and maintain access to care for those enrolled in medical assistance and MinnesotaCare programs.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 256B.0371