Healthcare (Primary Care)

This Ohio House resolution formally recognizes August 2-8, 2026, as National Health Center Week to honor the state's community health centers. The bill acknowledges the vital role these facilities play in providing affordable and accessible healthcare to medically underserved residents. It also highlights the dedication of the healthcare professionals and management teams who run these centers. To spread awareness, the resolution directs the House Clerk to send copies of the document to Ohio news media.

HB 916 creates the Children's Dental Services Program to provide dental screenings, treatment, and preventive care to children living in underserved areas. The Department of Health will administer this program, which may utilize mobile dental units to reach schools and communities that need them most. The bill directs the department to focus on increasing access to care and reducing tooth decay among children while requesting specific funding to support these efforts.

This bill requires health benefit plans to cover annual behavioral health well checks for both children and adults. The well checks must include a review of medical history, risk assessment, validated screening tools, lifestyle education, and referrals to ongoing services. Coverage cannot have prior authorization requirements, and plans cannot charge cost-sharing fees except when required to maintain eligibility for health savings accounts. The bill also ensures that reimbursement rates for behavioral health professionals are comparable to those for other medical care and allows these checks to be provided in primary care or behavioral health settings.