Resolve, To Ensure That MaineCare-eligible Children Have Equal Access to Providers of Dental, Hearing and Vision Services

Sec. 1. Development of comprehensive strategy. Resolved: That the Department of Health and Human Services, referred to in this resolve as "the department," shall develop a comprehensive strategy to address inequality in access to providers of dental, hearing and vision services for children 17 years of age and under who are eligible for MaineCare and to ensure that children eligible for MaineCare have the same access to these services as have children who have health insurance coverage through the private market. As part of the development of the comprehensive strategy required by this section, the department shall identify:

1. By geographic area and type of service, the level and scope of disparity in access;

2. Impediments to access;

3. Options for equalizing access, including changes to reimbursement, administrative processes, education and outreach; and

4. Potential pilot projects in underserved geographic areas; and be it further

Sec. 2. Stakeholder input. Resolved: That, in developing the comprehensive strategy required in section 1, the department shall actively seek input from a broad range of interested parties, including, but not limited to, parents and caregivers; providers of dental, hearing and vision services; pediatric and family health care practitioners; representatives of the child advocacy community; and the statewide associations representing physicians, osteopathic physicians, hospitals, federally qualified health centers, audiologists, dentists, optometrists and eye physicians and surgeons; and be it further

Sec. 3. Recommendations. Resolved: That the department shall submit the comprehensive strategy developed pursuant to section 1, including any suggested legislation, to the Joint Standing Committee on Health and Human Services by January 15, 2016. The Joint Standing Committee on Health and Human Services may report out legislation to the Second Regular Session of the 127th Legislature based on the comprehensive strategy submitted by the department.