Comprehensive Dental Reform Act of 2015

To improve access to oral health care for vulnerable and underserved populations. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Comprehensive Dental Reform Act of 2015 2. Table of contents The table of contents of this Act is as follows: Sec. 1. Short title. Sec. 2. Table of contents. Sec. 3. Findings. TITLE I—Medicare and Medicaid Subtitle A—Medicare Sec. 101. Coverage of dental services under the Medicare program. Subtitle B—Medicaid Sec. 111. Coverage of dental services under the Medicaid program. TITLE II—Public Health programs Subtitle A—National Health Service Corps Sec. 201. National Health Service Corps. Sec. 202. Community based dental residencies. Subtitle B—Oral health education Sec. 211. Authorization of appropriations for oral health education for medical providers. Sec. 212. Oral health education for other non-health professionals. Sec. 213. Dental education. Sec. 214. Oral health professional student loans. Subtitle C—Other oral health programs Sec. 221. Access points. Sec. 222. Dental clinics in schools. Sec. 223. Emergency room care coordination. Sec. 224. Research funding. Sec. 225. Mobile and portable dental services. Subtitle D—Oral health services as an essential health benefit Sec. 231. Oral health services as an essential health benefit. TITLE III—Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense Matters Subtitle A—Department of Veterans Affairs Matters Sec. 301. Requirement that Secretary of Veterans Affairs furnish dental care in the same manner as any other medical service. Sec. 302. Demonstration program on training and employment of alternative dental health care providers for dental health care services for veterans in rural and other underserved communities. Subtitle B—Department of Defense Matters Sec. 311. Demonstration program on training and employment of alternative dental health care providers for dental health care services for members of the Armed Forces and dependents lacking ready access to such services. TITLE IV—Federal Bureau of Prisons Sec. 401. Demonstration program on training and employment of alternative dental health care providers for dental health care services for prisoners within the custody of the Bureau of Prisons. TITLE V—Indian Health Service Sec. 501. Demonstration program on training and employment of alternative dental health care providers for dental health care services under the Indian Health Service. TITLE VI—Reports to Congress Sec. 601. Reports on enrollment in coverage for oral health services. 3. Findings Congress makes the following findings: (1) The United States must establish a nationwide and comprehensive approach to address the lack of access to needed dental care and reduce oral health disparities. (2) Since 2000, when the Surgeon General of the United States called dental disease a silent epidemic (3) Dental caries, commonly known as cavities, are the most common chronic disease for children in the United States. Additionally, 25 percent of American adults who have attained 65 years of age have lost all of their teeth. (4) Untreated oral health problems contribute to an increased risk for serious medical conditions such as diabetes, hospital-acquired pneumonia, and poor birth outcomes. (5) According to a report by the Surgeon General of the United States, students miss more than 51,000,000 hours of school and employed adults lose more than 164,000,000 hours of work each year due to dental disease and dental visits. (6) More than 47,000,000 people live in a dental Health Professional Shortage Area where the number of dentists for the population size is inadequate and people may face significant challenges in accessing oral health care. (7) While the lack of access to oral health services is a national problem, those who are most likely to remain underserved are individuals with low incomes, racial and ethnic minorities, pregnant women, older adults, individuals with special needs, and individuals living in rural communities. (8) More than 1 in 4 Americans do not have dental health insurance which is far greater than the number of individuals who lack general health insurance. (9) The Medicare program and the Department of Veterans Affairs do not provide dental coverage to the majority of their beneficiaries, and States can elect whether to provide dental coverage to adults under the Medicaid program. (10) A minority of practicing dentists in the United States provide care to individuals enrolled in Medicaid, and a very small percentage of dentists devote a substantial part of their practice towards caring for individuals who are underserved. (11) The United States spends more than $111,000,000,000 on dental care every year. (12) Between 2008 and 2010, more than 4,000,000 patients visited hospital emergency departments for assistance with dental conditions, accounting for 1 percent of all emergency room visits during such period and at a cost of $2,700,000,000. I Medicare and Medicaid A Medicare 101. Coverage of dental services under the Medicare program (a) Coverage Section 1861(s)(2) of the Social Security Act 42 U.S.C. 1395x(s)(2) (1) in subparagraph (EE), by striking and (2) in subparagraph (FF), by adding and (3) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: (GG) oral health services (as defined in subsection (iii)); . (b) Oral health services defined Section 1861(s) of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1395x(s) (iii) Oral health services (1) The term oral health services (2) For purposes of paragraph (1), such term shall include mobile and portable oral health services (as defined by the Secretary) that— (A) are provided for the purpose of overcoming mobility, transportation, and access barriers for individuals; and (B) satisfy the standards and certification requirements established under section 1902(a)(84)(B) for the State in which the services are provided. . (c) Payment and coinsurance Section 1833(a)(1) of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1395l(a)(1) (1) by striking and (Z) (2) by inserting before the semicolon at the end the following: , and (AA) with respect to oral health services (as defined in section 1861(iii)), the amount paid shall be (i) in the case of such services that are preventive, 100 percent of the lesser of the actual charge for the services or the amount determined under the payment basis determined under section 1848, and (ii) in the case of all other such services, 80 percent of the lesser of the actual charge for the services or the amount determined under the payment basis determined under section 1848 (d) Payment under physician fee schedule Section 1848(j)(3) of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1395w–4(j)(3) (2)(GG), risk assessment), (e) Dentures Section 1861(s)(8) of the Social Security Act 42 U.S.C. 1395x(s)(8) (1) by striking (other than dental) (including dentures) (2) by striking internal body (f) Repeal of ground for exclusion Section 1862(a) of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1395y (g) Effective date The amendments made by this section shall apply to services furnished on or after January 1, 2016. B Medicaid 111. Coverage of dental services under the Medicaid program (a) In general Section 1905 of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1396d (1) in subsection (a)(10), by striking dental services oral health services (as defined in subsection (ee)(1)) (2) by adding at the end the following: (ee) (1) Subject to paragraphs (2) and (3), for purposes of this title, the term oral health services (2) For purposes of paragraph (1), such term shall include— (A) dentures; and (B) mobile and portable oral health services (as defined by the Secretary) that— (i) are provided for the purpose of overcoming mobility, transportation, and access barriers for individuals; and (ii) satisfy the standards and certification requirements established under section 1902(a)(82)(C) for the State in which the services are provided. (3) For purposes of paragraph (1), such term shall not apply to dental care or services provided to individuals under the age of 21 under subsection (r)(3). . (b) Conforming amendments (1) State plan requirements Section 1902(a) of such Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1396a(a) (A) in paragraph (10)(A), in the matter preceding clause (i), by inserting (10), (5), (B) in paragraph (80), by striking and (C) in paragraph (81), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and (D) by inserting after paragraph (81) the following: (82) provide for— (A) informing, in writing, all individuals who have been determined to be eligible for medical assistance of the availability of oral health services (as defined in section 1905(ee)); (B) conducting targeted outreach to pregnant women who have been determined to be eligible for medical assistance about the availability of medical assistance for such dental services and the importance of receiving dental care while pregnant; and (C) establishing and maintaining standards for and certification of mobile and portable oral health services (as described in subsections (r)(3)(C) and (ee)(2)(B) of section 1905). . (2) Definition of medical assistance Section 1905(a)(12) of such Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1396d(a)(12) , dentures, (c) Mobile and portable oral health services under EPSDT Section 1905(r)(3) of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1396d(r)(3) (1) in subparagraph (A)(ii), by striking ; and (2) in subparagraph (B), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and (3) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: (C) which shall include mobile and portable oral health services (as defined by the Secretary) that— (i) are provided for the purpose of overcoming mobility, transportation, or access barriers for children; and (ii) satisfy the standards and certification requirements established under section 1902(a)(82)(C) for the State in which the services are provided. . (d) Increased federal funding for dental services (1) In general Section 1905 of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1396d (A) in subsection (b), in the first sentence, by striking and (aa) (aa), and (ff) (B) by adding at the end the following new subsection: (ff) Increased FMAP for oral health services (1) In general Notwithstanding subsection (b) and section 1903(a)(7) and subject to the requirements described in paragraphs (3) and (4), with respect to amounts expended on or after January 1, 2016, for covered oral health expenses (as described in paragraph (2)), the Federal medical assistance percentage for a State that is one of the 50 States or the District of Columbia for such expenses shall be equal to the Federal medical assistance percentage that would otherwise apply to the State for the fiscal year, as determined under subsection (b) or section 1903(a)(7), increased by 15 percentage points. (2) Covered oral health expenses For purposes of paragraph (1), the term covered oral health expenses (3) Requirements For purposes of paragraph (1), the Federal medical assistance percentage applicable to covered oral health expenses under this subsection shall not apply to a State unless— (A) the State plan for medical assistance provides payment for oral health services (as so defined) furnished by a health care provider at a rate that is not less than 70 percent of the usual and customary fee for such services in the State; and (B) the State satisfies such additional requirements as are established by the Secretary, which shall include— (i) streamlining of administrative procedures for purposes of ensuring adequate provider participation and increasing patient utilization of oral health services; and (ii) the provision of technical assistance to health care providers designed to reduce the number of missed patient appointments and reduce other barriers to the delivery of oral health services. (4) Limitation For purposes of amounts expended for covered oral health services, in no case shall any increase under this subsection result in a Federal medical assistance percentage that exceeds 100 percent. . (2) Conforming amendment Section 1903(a)(7) of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1396b(a)(7) section 1919(g)(3)(B) sections 1905(ff) and 1919(g)(3)(B) (e) Secretarial responsibilities (1) Technical assistance and outreach The Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, shall provide technical assistance to States and conduct outreach to States for purposes of educating and encouraging States to utilize and provide payment under each State Medicaid program for telehealth-enabled dental services in order to provide dental services to traditionally underserved populations in need of such services. (2) Database and annual report on dental benefits for adult Medicaid enrollees (A) Medicaid dental benefits database The Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, shall maintain, as accurately and up-to-date as possible, a database that contains with respect to each State (as defined for purposes of title XIX of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1396 et seq. 42 U.S.C. 1396d(r) (B) Annual report The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall make available to the public an annual report regarding the information collected in the database required under subparagraph (A). Each annual report under this subparagraph shall include for each State Medicaid program and with respect to the most recent year for which data are available the yearly dental service utilization rates for children and adults enrolled in the State Medicaid program. (f) Effective date (1) In general Except as provided in paragraph (2), the amendments made by this section shall apply to calendar quarters beginning on or after January 1, 2016, without regard to whether or not final regulations to carry out such amendments have been promulgated by such date. (2) Delay permitted for State plan amendment In the case of a State plan for medical assistance under title XIX of the Social Security Act which the Secretary of Health and Human Services determines requires State legislation (other than legislation appropriating funds) in order for the plan to meet the additional requirements imposed by the amendments made by this section, the State plan shall not be regarded as failing to comply with the requirements of such title solely on the basis of its failure to meet these additional requirements before the first day of the first calendar quarter beginning after the close of the first regular session of the State legislature that begins after the date of enactment of this Act. For purposes of the previous sentence, in the case of a State that has a 2-year legislative session, each year of such session shall be deemed to be a separate regular session of the State legislature. II Public Health programs A National Health Service Corps 201. National Health Service Corps (a) In general Section 331 of the Public Health Service Act ( 42 U.S.C. 254d (1) in subsection (a)(3), by adding at the end the following: (F) The term dental therapist ; and (2) in subsection (b)— (A) in paragraph (1), by inserting dental therapy programs and schools at which (B) in paragraph (2), by inserting dental therapists, dentists, (b) Facilitation of effective provision of corps services Section 336(f)(3) of the Public Health Service Act ( 42 U.S.C. 254h–1(f)(3) dental therapists, midwives, (c) Scholarship program and loan repayment program (1) Scholarship program Section 338A of the Public Health Service Act ( 42 U.S.C. 254l (A) in subsection (a)(1), by inserting dental therapists, dentists, (B) in subsection (b)(1), by inserting including dental therapy, or other health profession, (2) Loan repayment program Section 338B of the Public Health Service Act ( 42 U.S.C. 254l–1 (A) in subsection (a)(1), by inserting dental therapists, dentists, (B) in subsection (b)(1)— (i) in subparagraph (A), by inserting dental therapist, nurse practitioner, (ii) in subparagraph (B), by inserting dental therapy, mental health, (iii) in subparagraph (C)(ii), by inserting , including dental therapy health profession (3) Authorization of appropriations Section 338H of the Public Health Service Act ( 42 U.S.C. 254q (A) in subsection (a), by striking this section this subpart (B) by adding at the end the following: (d) Authorization of appropriations with respect to oral health professionals To carry out this subpart with respect to dentists, dental therapists, and dental hygienists, in addition to the amounts authorized under subsection (a), there is authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary for fiscal years 2016 through 2019, which shall be used to provide an emergency expansion for scholarships to, and loan repayments on behalf of, such oral health professionals. . 202. Community based dental residencies Section 340H of the Public Health Service Act ( 42 U.S.C. 256h (k) Additional funding For the purpose of expanding the program under this section, there is authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary for the 5-year period beginning with the fiscal year that begins not less than 1 year and not more than 2 years after the date of enactment of the Comprehensive Dental Reform Act of 2015 . B Oral health education 211. Authorization of appropriations for oral health education for medical providers Section 747(c) of the Public Health Service Act ( 42 U.S.C. 293k(c) (4) Oral health education In addition to other amounts authorized under this subsection for purposes of carrying out this section, there is authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary for fiscal years 2016 through 2019 for the purpose of educating nondental medical professionals (including physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and pharmacists and particularly such professionals who provide care to children and pregnant and postpartum women) about oral health, including issues such as oral hygiene instruction, topical application of fluoride, and oral health screenings, with the goal of integrating oral health care into overall health care. . 212. Oral health education for other non-health professionals Subpart I of part C of title VII of the Public Health Service Act ( 42 U.S.C. 293k et seq. 748A. Oral health education for other non-oral health professionals (a) In general The Secretary may make grants to, or enter into contracts with, an accredited public or nonprofit private hospital, educational institutions, or public or private nonprofit entities that the Secretary has determined to be capable of carrying out such grant or contract to educate individuals, such as community health workers, social workers, nutritionists, health educators, occupational therapists, and psychologists, to promote oral health education and literacy and to provide support for behavior change and assistance with care coordination with respect to oral health. (b) Authorization of appropriations To carry out this section, there is authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary for fiscal years 2016 through 2019. . 213. Dental education Section 748 of the Public Health Service Act ( 42 U.S.C. 293k–2 (1) in subsection (a)(1)(H), by striking pediatric training programs pediatric dental training programs (2) in subsection (c)— (A) by striking the subsection heading and inserting Requirements for award (B) by amending the matter preceding paragraph (1) to read as follows: With respect to training provided for under this section, the Secretary shall award grants or contracts only to eligible entities that meet at least 7 of the following criteria: (C) in paragraph (2), by striking have a record of training the greatest percentage of providers, or that have demonstrated significant improvements in the percentage of providers, who enter and train significant numbers of providers who (D) in paragraph (3)— (i) by striking have a record of training intend to train (ii) by striking the period at the end and inserting and have faculty with experience in treating underserved populations. (E) in paragraph (8), by inserting or have established establish (F) by adding at the end the following: (9) Qualified applicants that require not less than 200 hours of community-based education rotations. . 214. Oral health professional student loans Part F of title VII of the Public Health Service Act ( 42 U.S.C. 295j et seq. 799C. Oral health professional student loans (a) In general The Secretary shall establish and operate a student loan fund for oral health professional students, including dental hygienists, dental therapists, and dentists. (b) Content The Secretary shall establish and operate the student loan fund program under subsection (a) in the same manner and subject to the same terms as the loan fund program established with schools of nursing under section 835. (c) Authorization of appropriations To carry out this section, there are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary for fiscal years 2016 through 2019. . C Other oral health programs 221. Access points Subpart X of part D of title III of the Public Health Service Act ( 42 U.S.C. 256f et seq. 340G–2. Funding for oral health services (a) In general The Secretary, acting through the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration, shall establish a program to award grants to eligible entities to provide oral health services, or to contract with private dental practices to provide comprehensive oral health services, to low-income individuals and individuals who are underserved with respect to oral health care. (b) Technical assistance The Secretary shall provide technical assistance to entities receiving grants under subsection (a) to provide technical assistance to such entities in order to— (1) with respect to oral health care services, increase utilization and efficiency and minimize missed appointments, contract with offsite providers, recruit providers (including oral health specialists), and operate programs outside the physical facilities to take advantage of new systems to improve access to oral health services; (2) address barriers to access to such services and conduct targeted outreach to special populations such as pregnant women, individuals with disabilities, individuals with chronic conditions such as diabetes, and individuals residing in long-term care facilities; or (3) contract with private dental practices that will provide oral health services other than preventive oral health care, including restoration and maintenance of oral health, in order to meet the need for oral health services in the community. (c) Eligible entities To be eligible to receive a grant under subsection (a), an entity shall— (1) be— (A) a Federally qualified health center (as defined in section 1861(aa) of the Social Security Act); (B) a safety net clinic or a free clinic (as defined by the Secretary); (C) a health care clinic that provides services to tribal organizations or urban Indian organizations (as such terms are defined in section 4 of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act); or (D) any other interested public or private sector health care provider or organization that the Secretary determines has a demonstrated history of serving a high number of uninsured and or low-income individuals or those who lack ready access to oral health services; and (2) demonstrate a clear need to expand oral health care services beyond preventive oral health care. (d) Allocation for hiring oral health care specialists A portion of the funds available under this section shall be allocated toward hiring oral health care specialists, such as oral surgeons and endodontists, at entities receiving grants under this section. (e) Authorization of appropriations To carry out this section, there is authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal years 2016 through 2019. . 222. Dental clinics in schools Part Q of title III of the Public Health Service Act ( 42 U.S.C. 280h et seq. 399Z–2. Dental clinics in schools (a) In general The Secretary shall award grants to qualified entities for the purpose of funding the building, operation, or expansion of dental clinics in schools. (b) Qualified entities To receive a grant under this section, a qualified entity shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require. (c) Requirements An entity receiving a grant under this section shall— (1) provide comprehensive oral health services at a dental clinic based at a school, including oral health education, oral screening, fluoride application, prophylaxis, sealants, and basic restorative services; (2) develop a coordinated system of care by referring patients to an available qualified oral health provider in the community for any required oral health services not provided in the dental clinic in the school, including restorative services, to ensure that all the oral health needs of students are met; and (3) maintain clinic hours that extend beyond school hours. (d) Authorization of appropriations For purposes of carrying out this section, there is authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary for fiscal years 2016 through 2019. . 223. Emergency room care coordination Part B of title III of the Public Health Service Act ( 42 U.S.C. 243 et seq. 320B. Emergency room care coordination with respect to dental care (a) In general The Secretary, acting through the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration, shall establish a grant program to enable individuals to receive dental care at a facility operated by a grant recipient rather than at a hospital emergency room. (b) Eligible entities To be eligible to receive a grant under this section an entity shall— (1) be— (A) a Federally qualified health center (as defined in paragraph (4) of section 1861(aa) of the Social Security Act) or rural health clinic (as defined in paragraph (2) of such section); (B) a private dental practice; or (C) any other interested public or private sector health care provider or organization, such as a dental school, that the Secretary determines has the capacity to serve in a coordinated, cost-effective manner, a high number of individuals who lack access to oral health services; and (2) partner with a hospital or urgent care center. (c) Oral health education for primary care and ER health care providers The Secretary shall allocate a portion of the amounts appropriated under subsection (e) toward medical education for primary care and emergency room physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants to be trained in oral health. (d) Report Not later than January 1, 2019, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on the best practices determined by the program established under this section to address oral health needs of individuals who go to emergency rooms in need of oral health care. (e) Authorization of appropriations To carry out this section, there is authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary for fiscal years 2016 through 2019. . 224. Research funding For fiscal years 2016 through 2019, there is authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to each of— (1) the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, for the purpose of conducting research on— (A) the prevention of oral disease; (B) oral disease management; and (C) evidence-based strategies to prevent tooth decay; (2) the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, for the purpose of conducting— (A) research on access, quality, and outcomes with respect to oral health services; and (B) evaluations of oral health service delivery to underserved and vulnerable populations, including an evaluation of workforce models to enhance oral health service delivery; (3) the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research for the purpose of conducting research on oral health disease prevention and management, and applying rigorous, multidisciplinary research-based approaches to overcome disparities in oral health; and (4) the Maternal and Child Health Bureau for the purpose of conducting research on perinatal, postnatal, and childhood oral health issues, including the integration of dental providers in settings where pediatricians practice. 225. Mobile and portable dental services Subpart X of part D of title III of the Public Health Service Act ( 42 U.S.C. 256f et seq. 340G–3. Mobile and portable dental services (a) In general The Secretary shall award grants to Federally qualified health centers (as defined in paragraph (4) of section 1861(aa) of the Social Security Act), rural health clinics (as defined in paragraph (2) of such section), nonprofit dental clinics, and dental schools to provide mobile and portable, comprehensive dental services that provide for the restoration or maintenance of oral health and function (including dental services provided by licensed providers through telehealth-enabled collaboration and supervision) and outreach for dental services to underserved populations. Eligible entities shall deliver such services at locations such as senior centers, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, schools, licensed day care centers that serve eligible individuals who receive benefits under the State Children's Health Insurance Program under title XXI of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1397aa et seq. 42 U.S.C. 1396 et seq. 42 U.S.C. 9831 et seq. (b) Authorization of appropriations To carry out this section, there are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary. . D Oral health services as an essential health benefit 231. Oral health services as an essential health benefit Section 1302(b) of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act ( 42 U.S.C. 18022(b) (1) in paragraph (1)— (A) in subparagraph (J), by striking oral and (B) by adding at the end the following: (K) Oral health services for children and adults. ; and (2) by adding at the end the following: (6) Oral health services For purposes of paragraph (1)(K), the term oral health services . III Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense Matters A Department of Veterans Affairs Matters 301. Requirement that Secretary of Veterans Affairs furnish dental care in the same manner as any other medical service (a) In general Title 38, United States Code, is amended— (1) in section 1701(6), by striking as described in sections 1710 and 1712 of this title (2) in section 1710(c), by striking the second sentence; (3) in section 1712— (A) by striking subsections (a) and (b); (B) by redesignating subsections (c), (d), and (e) as subsections (a), (b), and (c), respectively; and (C) in subsection (a), as redesignated by subparagraph (B)— (i) by striking Dental appliances The Secretary may furnish dentures, dental appliances (ii) by striking to be furnished by the Secretary under this section may be procured by the Secretary under this section and may procure such appliances (4) by striking section 2062. (b) Conforming amendments Such title is further amended— (1) in section 1525(a), by striking medicines under section 1712(d) medicines under section 1712(b) (2) in section 1703(a)(7), by striking , for a veteran described in section 1712(a)(1)(F) of this title (c) Clerical amendments Such title is further amended— (1) in section 1712, in the heading for such section, by striking Dental care Appliances (2) in the table of sections at the beginning of chapter 17, by striking the item relating to section 1712 and inserting the following new item: 1712. Appliances; drugs and medicines for certain disabled veterans; vaccines. ; and (3) in the table of sections at the beginning of chapter 20, by striking the item relating to section 2062. 302. Demonstration program on training and employment of alternative dental health care providers for dental health care services for veterans in rural and other underserved communities (a) Demonstration program authorized The Secretary of Veterans Affairs may carry out a demonstration program to establish programs to train and employ alternative dental health care providers in order to increase access to dental health care services for veterans who are entitled to such services from the Department of Veterans Affairs and reside in rural and other underserved communities. (b) Telehealth For purposes of alternative dental health care providers and other dental care providers who are licensed to provide clinical care, dental services provided under the demonstration program under this section may be administered by such providers through telehealth-enabled collaboration and supervision when appropriate and feasible. (c) Alternative dental health care providers defined In this section, the term alternative dental health care providers 42 U.S.C. 256g–1(a)(2) (d) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out the demonstration program under this section. B Department of Defense Matters 311. Demonstration program on training and employment of alternative dental health care providers for dental health care services for members of the Armed Forces and dependents lacking ready access to such services (a) Demonstration program authorized The Secretary of Defense may carry out a demonstration program to establish programs to train and employ alternative dental health care providers in order to increase access to dental health care services for members of the Armed Forces and their dependents who lack ready access to such services, including the following: (1) Members and dependents who reside in rural areas or areas otherwise underserved by dental health care providers. (2) Members of the National Guard and Reserves in active status who are potentially deployable. (b) Telehealth For purposes of alternative dental health care providers and other dental care providers who are licensed to provide clinical care, dental services provided under the demonstration program under this section may be administered by such providers through telehealth-enabled collaboration and supervision when appropriate and feasible. (c) Alternative dental health care providers defined In this section, the term alternative dental health care providers 42 U.S.C. 256g–1(a)(2) (d) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out the demonstration program under this section. IV Federal Bureau of Prisons 401. Demonstration program on training and employment of alternative dental health care providers for dental health care services for prisoners within the custody of the Bureau of Prisons (a) Demonstration program authorized The Attorney General, acting through the Director of the Bureau of Prisons, may carry out a demonstration program to establish programs to train and employ alternative dental health care providers in order to increase access to dental health services for prisoners within the custody of the Bureau of Prisons. (b) Telehealth For purposes of alternative dental health care providers and any other dental care providers who are licensed to provide clinical care, dental services provided under the demonstration program under this section may be administered by such providers through telehealth-enabled collaboration and supervision when deemed appropriate and feasible. (c) Alternative dental health care providers defined In this section, the term alternative dental health care providers 42 U.S.C. 256g–1(a)(2) (d) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out the demonstration program under this section. V Indian Health Service 501. Demonstration program on training and employment of alternative dental health care providers for dental health care services under the Indian Health Service (a) Demonstration program authorized The Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Indian Health Service, may carry out a demonstration program to establish programs to train and employ alternative dental health care providers in order to help eliminate oral health disparities and increase access to dental services through health programs operated by the Indian Health Service, Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and urban Indian organizations (as those terms are defined in section 4 of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act ( 25 U.S.C. 1603 (b) Telehealth For purposes of alternative dental health care providers and any other dental care providers who are licensed to provide clinical care, dental services provided under the demonstration program under this section may be administered by such providers through telehealth-enabled collaboration and supervision when deemed appropriate and feasible. (c) Alternative dental health care providers defined In this section, the term alternative dental health care providers 42 U.S.C. 256g–1(a)(2) (d) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out the demonstration program under this section. VI Reports to Congress 601. Reports on enrollment in coverage for oral health services (a) Secretary of Health and Human Services The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall submit to Congress the following reports: (1) Cost-benefit analysis Not later than October 1, 2019, a report that provides a comprehensive cost-benefit analysis regarding the expansion of coverage for dental services pursuant to this Act, including whether the provision of such services resulted in a reduction in total health care costs for individuals under the Medicare and Medicaid programs. (2) Annual report on enrollment, utilization, and expenditures in dental insurance plans Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, an annual report containing detailed information on— (A) enrollment in private insurance plans providing pediatric and adult dental coverage, whether such coverage is provided through a qualified health plan (as defined in section 1301(a) of Public Law 111–148 (B) the utilization of oral health services by children and adults who receive dental coverage under a qualified health plan or a stand-alone dental plan; and (C) expenditures related to oral health services by individuals and families who receive dental coverage in a qualified health plan or stand-alone dental plan. (b) Comptroller General (1) Medicaid and Medicare Not later than January 1, 2019, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to Congress a report that provides a comprehensive analysis and evaluation of the implementation and utilization of the expanded coverage for dental services pursuant to this Act for individuals enrolled in the Medicare and Medicaid programs. (2) Demonstration programs Not later than January 1, 2019, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to Congress a report that provides a comprehensive analysis and evaluation of the demonstration programs described in sections 302, 311, 401, and 501, including— (A) the extent to which the programs improved access to oral health care and increased utilization of oral health services; and (B) an examination of the training provided under the programs to alternative dental health care providers and the quality of care provided by such providers.

Summary: Comprehensive Dental Reform Act of 2015 Amends titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to cover oral health services. Increases the federal medical assistance percentage for oral health services, thereby increasing payments to states under Medicaid. Directs the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to maintain a database of dental benefits available to adult Medicaid enrollees in each state. Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish, revise, and extend funding for grant programs for: educating nondental professionals about oral health care; providing dental services in hospital emergency rooms or in community settings; providing scholarships and education loans for oral health professional students; providing oral health services to low-income and underserved individuals; building, operating, or expanding dental clinics in schools; and providing mobile, comprehensive dental services at locations that serve individuals who qualify for benefits under specified programs. Authorizes community based dental residencies. Authorizes specified agencies to conduct research on oral health issues through FY2019. Amends the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to make oral health services an essential health benefit. Removes restrictions on the authority of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide dental care to veterans (thereby requiring dental care on the same basis as other VA-provided medical care and services). Authorizes the VA, Department of Defense, Bureau of Prisons, and Indian Health Service to carry out demonstration programs to train and employ alternative dental health care providers in order to increase access to dental services. Directs the Department of Health and Human Services to conduct a cost-benefit analysis of the expansion of dental service coverage pursuant to this Act. Directs the Government Accountability Office to evaluate the implementation and utilization of expanded dental service coverage under this Act and the demonstration programs authorized by this Act.