2022 Legislative Session

In 2020, the Missouri General Assembly passed HB1682 intended to enforce prompt credentialing for health care providers. MDA has learned that a prominent Missouri dental insurance carrier has refused to adhere to the new law citing an exemption based on their tax status. This legislation seeks to remedy that exemption. 

Current law (RSMo 376.1800) allows for direct primary care agreements, or “medical retainer agreements” as defined legally, but not for dental offices. In 2022, we will file legislation to add dental offices to the list of entities allowed to offer direct primary care agreements.

Current state law (RSMo 376.1060) mandates dentists must be allowed to “opt out” of network plans contracted through a third party on behalf of a health insurance carrier. In 2022, we will file legislation to enhance current statute to include an “opt in” provision and/or require that initial contracts between a health carrier and health care provider contain clear language explicitly stating the health carrier has the authority to lease out the provider’s carrier plan.

In April 2021, State Dental Director Dr. Guy Deyton approached the MDA with an idea to collaborate with the Missouri Office of Oral Health to approve a pilot project to extend much-needed dental care to underserved populations around the state. Because this language was brought to the MDA so late in session, we were not able to file a bill. We will file this legislation for the first time in 2022.

The state of Missouri operates off a one-year budget plan that must be authorized annually. In 2022, we will work to include greater dental services to adults on Medicaid, as well as fund the Donated Dental Services ($90,000) and Elks Mobile Dental ($200,000) programs. 

Last year, the Missouri dental schools filed two bills that would allow for dentists to administer vaccines. HB628 sponsored by Rep. Danny Busick (R-Newtown) and SB322 sponsored by Senator Steven Roberts (D-St. Louis) would allow for licensed dentists to administer vaccines, including the COVID-19 vaccine. Dentists would not be required to administer vaccines. We will continue to monitor this legislation if it is filed again in 2022.