Healthcare (Medicaid)

SB 2231 would require North Dakota's medical assistance program to cover specific dental and behavioral services, directly affecting recipients of medical assistance who need these services. The bill mandates coverage for family adaptive behavioral treatment guidance, dental screenings, dental case management for special populations (including children, elderly, and medically fragile individuals), and asynchronous teledentistry to improve access. It explicitly states these new coverage requirements do not apply to Medicaid expansion programs for children and adults. The bill failed to pass in the Senate on March 27, 2025, with 33 votes in favor and 59 against.

SB 2318 would have required North Dakota's Medicaid program to create paid family caregiver services for eligible individuals in home and community-based waiver programs (excluding the aged and disabled waiver). It would have mandated payments to legally responsible family caregivers at rates matching professional direct support wages, capped at 40 hours per week, and required an evidence-based assessment considering individual needs like medical care and social circumstances. The bill also specified that an advisory council must review the program's design and assessment methods. However, the bill was introduced on January 20, 2025, and withdrawn the same day without committee action.

Relating to dental and oral health care status among Medicaid recipients and workforce support to improve access for low-income children, Native American children, and individuals with disabilities.

HB 1451 would require North Dakota's medical assistance program (including Medicaid) to cover comprehensive obesity treatment, such as intensive behavioral therapy, bariatric surgery, and FDA-approved antiobesity medications. The bill mandates that coverage criteria for antiobesity medication align with FDA approvals and prohibits separate cost-sharing (like higher deductibles or copays) for obesity treatment compared to other medical conditions. It also requires the state to provide written notice to enrollees about this coverage by December 31, 2025. This bill directly affects Medicaid enrollees in North Dakota seeking obesity-related treatments.

SB 2190 would expand North Dakota's medical assistance program to cover five specific services: family training for behavioral therapy support, dental screenings and assessments, dental case management for special populations (like children, elderly, and medically fragile individuals), asynchronous teledentistry to improve access, and applied behavioral analysis (ABA) therapy for behavioral issues. These services would directly affect medical assistance recipients, particularly those with special healthcare needs or in underserved communities. The bill explicitly states these new benefits would not apply to Medicaid expansion programs. The provisions aim to integrate oral health care with general health services and reduce barriers to dental and behavioral support.