The Healthy Smiles Act aims to improve access to pediatric dental services under the NJ FamilyCare program by increasing reimbursement rates for providers. Specifically, the bill mandates a 20 percent increase in the fee-for-service reimbursement rates for covered oral health services and supplies for children under 21 years of age, effective July 1, 2025, or 60 days after the bill's enactment, whichever is later. Additionally, starting one year after this increase, the Commissioner of Human Services is required to adjust these rates annually in accordance with changes in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers. This adjustment is intended to keep reimbursement rates in line with inflation and ensure that providers are adequately compensated for their services.

Furthermore, the bill stipulates that any contracts between the state and managed care organizations (MCOs) for NJ FamilyCare services must guarantee that reimbursement rates for pediatric oral health services are equal to or greater than the fee-for-service rates. MCOs that fail to comply with this requirement may face civil penalties of up to $10,000 for each day of non-compliance. The Commissioner of Human Services is also tasked with applying for any necessary state plan amendments or waivers to implement the provisions of the act and secure federal funding for NJ FamilyCare expenditures.