WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

H 1147

An Act relative to the sustainability of public health dental hygienists through adequate reimbursements

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Donnie Berthiaume and 7 co-sponsors

Adds ability for public health dental hygienists to bill private insurers beyond Medicaid, boosting program financial stability and sustaining the workforce.

Accompanied a new draft, see H5037
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · H 1147

Summary: H.1147 — An Act relative to the sustainability of public health dental hygienists through adequate reimbursements

Overview

H.1147 is a House bill introduced on February 27, 2025 by Representative Patricia A. Duffy. The bill seeks to ensure the sustainability of the public health dental hygienist workforce by expanding reimbursement options beyond Medicaid. A hearing is scheduled for October 27, 2025, from 10:30 AM to 4:00 PM in Gardner Auditorium.

Core purpose and intent

  • The bill aims to support public health dental hygienists by allowing reimbursement for their services from sources in addition to Medicaid. This is intended to enhance the financial stability and viability of public health dental programs.

Key provisions

  • Amendment to Massachusetts General Law: The bill amends the fifth sentence of the third paragraph of section 51 of chapter 112.
  • Change in reimbursement rules: The current language restricting reimbursement “by Medicaid but except as required by federal Medicaid law, shall not seek reimbursement from any other insurance or third party payor” would be struck out.
  • Result of amendment: Public health dental hygienists (and related programs) could seek or obtain reimbursement from other insurance or third-party payors in addition to Medicaid, rather than being limited to Medicaid reimbursement only.
  • No new funding authorization is included in the text presented; the measure focuses on removing the restriction on third-party reimbursements.

Who is affected

  • Public health dental hygienists and the public health agencies employing them.
  • Patients receiving dental hygiene services through public health programs.
  • Private insurers and other third-party payors that could be billed for these services.
  • Medicaid program administration, which would no longer be the sole payer avenue in this context.

Procedural and timeline notes

  • Introduced: February 27, 2025.
  • Referred to: House Committee on Financial Services (February 27, 2025).
  • Senate action: Senate concurred on February 27, 2025 (per legislative actions listing).
  • Related bill: HD 1103 is noted as replacing this measure.
  • Hearing: Scheduled for October 27, 2025, from 10:30 AM to 4:00 PM in Gardner Auditorium.

Potential impact and considerations

  • By broadening reimbursement sources, the bill could improve the financial stability and continuity of public health dental programs, potentially allowing expanded access or sustained employment for public health dental hygienists.
  • Fiscal impact is not specified in the text; cost implications would depend on payer mix, reimbursement rates from private payors, and any associated administrative changes.
  • Implementation would require coordination across Medicaid, public health agencies, and private insurers, including billing practices and credentialing.

This summary captures the essential content, purpose, and potential effects of H.1147 based on the bill text and stated actions.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.