H.R. 462 would amend titles XIX and XXI of the Social Security Act to improve dental benefits under Medicaid and the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP).
Detailed Summary
Medicaid-SCHIP Dental Benefits Improvement Act of 2009 - Amends title XXI (State Children's Health Insurance) (SCHIP) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to provide for coverage of dental benefits.
Directs the Comptroller General to provide for a study that examines: (1) access to dental services by children in underserved areas; (2) children's access to oral health care, including preventive and restorative services, under Medicaid and SCHIP; and (3) the feasibility and appropriateness of using qualified mid-level dental health providers, in coordination with dentists, to improve access for children to oral health services and public health overall.
Amends SSA title XI to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to identify and publish for general comment an initial, recommended core set of child health quality measures for use by state programs administered under Medicaid and SCHIP, health insurance issuers, and managed care entities that enter into contracts with such programs, as well as providers of items and services.
Directs the Secretary to establish a pediatric quality measures program.
Directs the Secretary to award not more than 10 grants to states and child health providers to conduct demonstration projects to evaluate promising ideas for improving the quality of children's health care under Medicaid or SCHIP.
Directs the Secretary to conduct a demonstration project to develop a comprehensive and systematic model for reducing childhood obseity.
Directs the Secretary to establish a program to encourage the development and dissemination of a model electronic health record format for children enrolled in the state plan under Medicaid or SCHIP.
Directs the Institute of Medicine to study and report to Congress on the extent and quality of efforts to measure child health status and the quality of health care for children across the age span and in relation to preventive care, treatments for acute conditions, and treatments aimed at ameliorating or correcting physical, mental, and developmental conditionns in children.
Status of the Legislation
Latest Major Action: 1/13/2009: Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Points in Favor
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Points Against
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Visitor Comments
BJD
January 28, 2009, 6:21pm (report abuse)Please, please pass this bill. I do NOT understand why you can get medical coverage but NOT dental. It is very frustrating!!
Lucy
February 25, 2009, 12:53pm (report abuse)PASS THIS BILL!!! It will benefit the dental helth of so many children in our state.
ameneh
September 22, 2009, 11:07pm (report abuse)please pass this bill for the sake of our kids.