STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2160

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2023

RE: S.C.R. No. 188

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2023

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce, to which was referred S.C.R. No. 188 entitled:

"SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES' MED-QUEST DIVISION TO ADVOCATE THAT THE STATE INCREASE MEDICAID REIMBURSEMENTS TO DENTISTS AND, UPON AN INCREASE APPROVAL, TO PROACTIVELY INFORM BOTH DENTAL SERVICE PROVIDERS AND MEDICAID BENEFICIARIES OF NEW RATE PLANS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to urge the Department of Human Services' Med-Quest Division to advocate that the state increase Medicaid Reimbursements to dentists and, upon an increase approval, to proactively inform both dental service providers and Medicaid beneficiaries of new rate plans.

The Hawaii Dental Association, Hawaii Oral Health Coalition, and one individual testified in support. The Department of Human Services offered comments.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of S.C.R. No. 188 and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Finance.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce,

____________________________

MARK M. NAKASHIMA, Chair