Resolve, Directing the Department of Health and Human Services To Modify Coverage for Eyeglasses for Children under the Provisions of the MaineCare Program and Review Certain Reimbursement Rates
Maine Legislature, Session 127, LD 0649
Committee Amendment CA_A_S127 (Senate)

COMMITTEE AMENDMENT " ~ " to S.P. 242, L.D. 649, "Resolve, Directing the 
Department of Health and Human Services To Modify Coverage for Eyeglasses for 
Children under the Provisions of the MaineCare Program and Review Certain 
Reimbursement Rates" 
Amend the resolve by striking out the title and substituting the following: 
'Resolve, To Ensure That MaineCare-eligible Children Have Equal Access to 
Providers of Dental, Hearing and Vision Services' 
Amend the resolve by striking out everything after the title and before the summary 
and inserting the following: 
'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. Stal<eholder 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 
COMMITTEE AMENDMENT 
COMMITTEE AMENDMENT" PI" to S,P, 242, L.D, 649 
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 shaH 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.' 
SUMMARY 
This amendment replaces the resolve. The amendment requires the Department of 
Health and Human Services, with input from stakeholders, to develop a comprehensive 
strategy to ensure that MaineCare-eligible children have the same access to providers of 
dental, hearing and vision services as have children with private health insurance. The 
amendment requires the department to submit the strategy and related recommendations 
to the Joint Standing Committee on Health and Human Services by January 15,2016. 
FISCAL NOTE REQUIRED 
(See attached) 
COMMITTEE AMENDMENT 
Approved: 05/18/15 
;:Wac:.. 
LD649 
LR 406(02) 
Resolve, Directing the Department of Health and Human Services To Modify Coverage for Eyeglasses 
for Children under the Provisions of the MaineCare Program and Review Certain Reimbursement 
Rates 
Fiscal Detail and Notes 
Fiscal Note for Bill as Amended by Committee Amendment '~'(S-l '2,,\ 
Committee: Health and Human Services 
Fiscal Note Required: Yes 
Fiscal Note 
Minor cost increase - General Fund 
The additional costs to the Department of Health and Human Services to develop a comprehensive strategy to address 
inequality in access to dental, hearing and vision services are expected to be minor and can be absorbed within 
existing budgeted resources. 
LR0406(02) - Fiscal Note - Page 1 of 1