An Act To Improve Dental Care Access For Children By Modifying The Mainecare Reimbursement Methodology For The Provision Of Anesthesia For Certain Dental Services

This bill directs Maine's Department of Health and Human Services to remove prior authorization requirements for deep sedation or general anesthesia used during dental procedures for MaineCare members, effective July 1, 2026. It also establishes a reimbursement rate for these anesthesia services at 67% of the commercial median benchmark, which must be maintained until June 30, 2028 or until a formal dental rate determination is completed. Additionally, the bill requires the department to keep temporary reimbursement rates for tooth extractions and dental caries treatments in place until the same deadline. These changes aim to simplify administrative processes and ensure consistent payment for dental anesthesia services under Maine's public health insurance program.