This bill modifies the requirements for dental administrator rates within the medical assistance and MinnesotaCare programs by amending Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 256B.0371, subdivision 3. Notably, it changes the start date for dental administrator contracts from January 1, 2026, to January 1, 2030. Additionally, it removes the requirement for dental administrator payments to contracted dental providers to adhere to previously established rates and instead mandates compliance with provider participation requirements and payment rates set by the commissioner and dental administrator. The bill also introduces a new provision that stipulates if the dental administrator fails to meet specific 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 the legislature. The task force will consist of various stakeholders, including representatives from the Minnesota Dental Association, critical access dental providers, and legislative members.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 256B.0371