Increases Medicaid reimbursement rates for dental services in North Carolina to improve access.

The bill proposes to increase Medicaid reimbursement rates for dental services in North Carolina, aiming to improve access to oral health care, particularly for Medicaid beneficiaries. It allocates $80 million from the General Fund to the Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Health Benefits, starting in the 2026-2027 fiscal year. The increase is intended to incentivize more dental providers to participate in the Medicaid program, thereby expanding access to preventive care and reducing reliance on emergency departments for urgent dental needs.

Increases Medicaid reimbursement rates for dental services in North Carolina to improve access.

The bill proposes to increase Medicaid reimbursement rates for dental services in North Carolina, aiming to improve access to oral health care, particularly for Medicaid beneficiaries. It allocates $80 million from the General Fund to the Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Health Benefits, starting in the 2026-2027 fiscal year. The increase is intended to incentivize more dental providers to participate in the Medicaid program, thereby expanding access to preventive care and reducing reliance on emergency departments for urgent dental needs.