WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

LR 221

Interim study to examine the barriers to access to dental services for Nebraskans

109th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by John Fredrickson

LR221 would authorize an interim study to identify barriers to Nebraskans’ access to affordable, quality dental care and propose policy options to improve access and sustainability

Referred to Health and Human Services Committee
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · LR 221

Summary of Nebraska Legislative Resolution LR221

Overview

  • Bill Type: Legislative Resolution (interim study)
  • Bill Number: LR221
  • Title: Interim study to examine the barriers to access to dental services for Nebraskans
  • Sponsor: Fredrickson (primary)
  • Introduced: May 15, 2025
  • Status: Referred to Executive Board on May 15, 2025; subsequently referred to the Health and Human Services Committee on May 19, 2025
  • Classification: Resolution designed to authorize an interim study, not a bill intended to become law

Purpose

LR221 proposes an interim study to identify and analyze barriers to Nebraskans’ access to dental services. The goal is to inform policy options that improve affordability, availability, and quality of dental care, with a focus on vulnerable populations and system-wide sustainability.

Key Provisions and Study Scope

The resolution outlines several areas for examination, including but not limited to:
1. Ensuring all Nebraska residents have affordable access to dental care with a dental home, especially those eligible for Medicaid.
2. Addressing the shortage of dentists and dental hygienists in designated dental shortage areas.
3. Creating a sustainable Medicaid program for dental services.
4. Reducing how often people rely on hospital emergency departments for dental pain relief.
5. Investing in public health dental infrastructure, including:
- Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and the Office of Oral Health and Dentistry
- Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs)
- Local public health departments
to prevent dental problems and disease
6. Exploring investments in urgent care dental clinics within Nebraska’s dental schools to provide acute care and deter ER use for dental issues.

Process and Stakeholders

  • The Health and Human Services Committee (HHSC) is designated to conduct the interim study.
  • The committee may coordinate with:
    • Other standing committees
    • State agencies
    • University entities (e.g., University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry; Creighton University School of Dentistry)
    • Nebraska Dental Association and other relevant stakeholders
  • The resolution allows the committee to:
    • Create a work group
    • Hold meetings
    • Conduct site visits
  • Outcome: At the conclusion of the study, the committee must prepare and present a report of findings and recommendations to the Legislative Council or Legislature.

Timeline and Procedural Details

  • Interim study conducted during the legislative interim (between sessions).
  • Reporting requirement: A final report with findings and recommendations upon completion of the study.
  • Specific milestones or deadlines are not provided in the resolution; the process is governed by interim study practices.

Potential Impact

  • Inform policy discussions on expanding affordable dental care and dental homes, particularly for Medicaid beneficiaries.
  • Identify strategies to alleviate dental provider shortages in shortage areas.
  • Evaluate Medicaid program design and sustainability for dental services.
  • Potential to reduce ER visits for dental pain through improved access, alternative care pathways, and public health investments.
  • Guide investments in dental public health infrastructure and in-school urgent care dental clinics as a means to improve acute care access.

Next Steps

  • Await HHSC action to authorize, conduct, and complete the interim study.
  • Expect development of a formal work plan, stakeholder engagement, and a conclusive report with recommendations for lawmakers.

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

Sign in to ask a question.