Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2004

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committees on Human Services and Health, to which was referred S.B. No. 2572 entitled:

beg leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to require QUEST to cover certain dental services for pregnant women.

Testimony in support of this measure was submitted by the Hawaii Primary Care Association, Kokua Council, five staff members from Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center, Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies, and Papa Ola Lokahi. The Department of Human Services submitted testimony in opposition.

Your Committees find that studies show poor dental health contributes to poor health for both pregnant women and their babies. The hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy often affect oral health and underscore their need to have access to regular oral health services.

In 1996, basic dental services for adults covered by the medicaid and QUEST programs were discontinued. Currently, only emergency dental services, such as extractions, are covered for these clients. By the time these emergency services are performed, the damage has already occurred. Research has proven that there is a connection between poor oral health during pregnancy and babies who are born premature or at a low birth rate. This measure will help decrease this occurrence.

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Human Services and Health that are attached to this report, your Committees are in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2572 and recommend that it pass Second Reading and be referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.