Support LB 935: Appropriate funds to the DHHS for Medicaid dental services

My name is Garret Swanson, G-A-R-R-E-T S-W-A-N-S-O-N and I am here on behalf of the Holland Children’s Movement, a nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization that strives to fulfill its vision for Nebraska to become a beacon in economic security and opportunity for all children and families, in support of LB935. 

We would like to sincerely thank Senator Ibach for introducing the legislation. At its core, LB935 will appropriate six million dollars in state funds and over eleven million dollars in federal funds to the Medical Assistance Program. The appropriation of these funds will help in several ways such as:

• Improvement in Access to Dental Care: Higher reimbursement rates can incentivize more dentists to accept Medicaid patients. This can lead to improved access to dental care for low-income Nebraskans who rely on Medicaid for their healthcare needs. Better dental health can result in fewer missed days of work or school due to dental problems, leading to increased productivity in the workforce.

• Job Creation: Increased Medicaid reimbursement rates may lead to more dental practices opening or expanding their services. This expansion can create job opportunities for dentists, dental hygienists, dental assistants, and administrative staff, contributing to job growth in the healthcare sector.

• Economic Growth in Nebraska: With more Medicaid patients able to access dental care, there could be an increase in demand for dental services. This increased demand can stimulate growth in the dental industry, leading to higher revenues for dental practices, dental suppliers, and manufacturers of dental equipment and supplies.

• Reduction in Healthcare Costs: By improving access to preventive dental care, such as regular check-ups and cleanings, higher Medicaid reimbursement rates can help prevent more serious dental problems in the future. This could lead to cost savings for the healthcare system by reducing the need for expensive dental procedures to treat advanced dental conditions.

In closing I want to bring up a poll published last week by our sister non-profit, the Holland Children’s Institute, in this poll Nebraskans were asked how important increasing Medicaid and Medicare reimbursement rates for providers in several areas. 60% of Nebraskans agreed that this would be important for the State. We agree.

Thank you again to Senator Ibach and the Appropriations Committee, we urge this bill to be voted out of committee.