A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT TO APPROPRIATE FUNDS TO INCREASE MEDICAID REIMBURSEMENT RATES FOR DENTAL CARE FOR CHILDREN AND ADULTS.
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1.(a)  There is appropriated from the General Fund to the Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Medical Assistance, the sum of thirty million dollars ($30,000,000) for the 2006‑2007 fiscal year.  These funds shall be used to increase rates for dental services covered under the Medicaid program for children and adults.  These increases in rates will bring rates almost to eighty percent (80%) of the median charges listed on the most current survey available from the national Dental Advisory Services organization.
SECTION 1.(b)  The Department of Health and Human Services shall develop a fee schedule to implement rate increases authorized under Section 1 of this act and shall structure the fee schedule to ensure that funds appropriated are used to best serve the Medicaid population.  In developing the fee schedule, the Department shall consult with the North Carolina Dental Society and the Old North State Dental Society.
SECTION 3.  This act becomes effective July 1, 2006.