STAND. COM. REP. NO.63

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2003

RE: S.B. No. 891

 

 

Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2003

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committees on Health and Human Services, to which was referred S.B. No. 891 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT MAKING AN APPROPRIATION FOR ADULT DENTAL HEALTH SERVICES,"

beg leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to appropriate funds for basic dental services for adult Medicaid clients.

Testimony supporting this measure was received from the Hawaii Dental Association, Hawaii Primary Care Association, Hana Community Health Center, and Advocates for Independent Living. The Department of Human Services submitted testimony opposing the measure due to cost implications, but did support the concept of the measure.

Your Committees find that basic dental care for adults covered by Medicaid is critical to the overall health and wellness of the community. Lack of proper dental care and maintenance may lead to more complicated dental and general health care problems. Your Committees believe that the appropriation made pursuant to this measure will help to improve the health of those who most need the care.

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Health and Human Services that are attached to this report, your Committees are in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 891 and recommend that it pass Second Reading and be referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committees on Health and Human Services,

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SUZANNE CHUN OAKLAND, Chair

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ROSALYN H. BAKER, Chair