MEASURE ADDRESSING QUALITY OF CARE CHALLENGES FOR MAINECARE CHILDREN MOVES FORWARD

AUGUSTA – A measure to develop a comprehensive strategy addressing inequities with quality of and access to dental, hearing, and vision care for MaineCare-eligible children received unanimous support from the state’s Health and Human Services Committee yesterday.

Sen. Nate Libby of Lewiston

“Optometrists and dentists face extraordinary financial challenges when serving the MaineCare-eligible population, largely due in part to inadequate reimbursement rates,” said Democratic State Senator Nate Libby, the sponsor of the measure. “Years of inadequate and reduced reimbursement rates has led to a myriad of problems among providers who feel a moral obligation to serve MaineCare-eligible children but have reached an untenable financial situation that has forced many providers to discontinue service to MaineCare-eligible children.”

During the public hearing, Sen. Libby of Lewiston recounted a situation in his community where a dentist had two MaineCare-eligible children requiring root canals. In searching for an endodontist, the dentist was shocked to learn that not a single provider from Portland to Augusta would perform this procedure on his MaineCare patients.

Sen. Libby added, “While I would like to think all MaineCare eligible children are receiving the services they need, it’s clear there are growing gaps and delays in coverage when MaineCare-eligible patients are forced to search far and wide to find a provider who will accept them.”

During the public hearing, the measure received broad support from dentists, optometrists, endodontists, the Maine Optometrists Association, and the Maine Hospital Association.

In addition to developing a strategy, the measure, as amended, directs the Department of Health and Human Services to identify impediments to access, and explore options for equalizing access for dental, hearing, and vision services.

“Rather than proposing just one more piecemeal adjustment to reimbursement rates, this large and complex issue warrants a more focused analysis,” said Sen. Libby. “It is time to explore the problems faced by providers and patients, and look to solutions found in other states.”

Additionally, the bill requires DHHS to consult with a diverse group of stakeholders including parents, caregivers, providers, practitioners, advocates, and trade associations when developing the strategy.

DHHS would be required to submit the proposed strategy to the legislature’s Health and Human Services Committee by January 15, 2016.

The measure, LD 649, will go before the Senate for initial votes in the coming days.

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