HOUSE DOCKET, NO. 1562         FILED ON: 1/20/2011

HOUSE  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  No. 1529

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

_________________

PRESENTED BY:

John W. Scibak

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To the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in General
              Court assembled:

              The undersigned legislators and/or citizens respectfully petition for the passage of the accompanying:

An Act relative to adult dental restoration.

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PETITION OF:

HOUSE DOCKET, NO. 1562        FILED ON: 1/20/2011

HOUSE  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  No. 1529

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
 

An Act relative to adult dental restoration.
 

              Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:
 

              SECTION 1. The General Court hereby finds that:

              (a)              Oral Health is Overall Health;

              (b)              left untreated, dental decay causes pain and suffering to thousands of adults, negatively impacts the health and well being of children and families, and has a significant effect on our workforce and business community;

              (c)              dental cleanings and extractions alone are not adequate care. Dental decay is a bacterial infection and the only way that you can stop this infection from spreading and affecting health is with comprehensive care; and,

              (d)              cuts to oral health coverage wastes millions in extensive and costly services in emergency and inpatient hospital settings due to dental infections.

              SECTION 2. Item 4000-0300 of section 2 of chapter 131 of the acts of 2010 is hereby amended by striking the words "provided further, that such plan may include, but not be limited to, limiting, eliminating or otherwise restructuring services delivered to adult members of the MassHealth program" and inserting in place thereof the  following words:- provided further, that such plan may include, but not be limited to, limiting, eliminating or otherwise restructuring services, other than dental services, delivered to adult members of the MassHealth program.

              SECTION 3. Section 145 of said chapter 131 of the acts of 2010 is hereby repealed.