Modernize Medicaid Dental Rates.

HB 60 increases Medicaid dental reimbursement rates from 35% to 46% of average dentist charges (2023 rates) to align with neighboring states. The bill allocates $52 million annually from North Carolina's General Fund, matched by $95 million in federal funds, to cover this rate increase starting July 1, 2025. It directly affects dentists who accept Medicaid patients and Medicaid beneficiaries seeking dental care, aiming to boost provider participation and prevent costly emergency treatments. The change addresses years of stagnant rates that reduced dental provider enrollment in Medicaid.