Missouri will collect an estimated $35 million from delinquent taxpayers, Gov. Nixon announces

JEFFERSON CITY, MO – Gov. Jay Nixon today announced that the Missouri Department of Revenue will collect an estimated $35 million from delinquent taxpayers this year under House Bill 384.  These funds will allow for the expansion of dental care to approximately 282,000 low-income Missourians in Fiscal Year 2016.  In addition, the funds will enable a one percent rate increase for health providers who care for Medicaid beneficiaries, including Missourians with disabilities.    

 

“Healthy communities are strong communities, so I’m pleased that the dollars are available to fund these services, while keeping the budget in balance,” Gov. Nixon said. “Moving forward, these kinds of services are simply too critical to be put at risk by funding them with one-time sources of revenue.  That’s why it’s important that we continue to keep our fiscal discipline for the remainder of this fiscal year, so that next year’s budget can include ongoing and sustainable funding for developmental disability providers – and others who care for our most vulnerable citizens.” 

 

Currently, coverage of dental services for adults in Missouri is limited to trauma of the mouth, jaw, or teeth as a result of injury or medical condition. Soon, the Missouri Department of Social Services will submit a state plan amendment to CMS to expand this coverage to includepreventive services, restorative services, periodontal treatment, oral surgery, extractions, radiographs, pain evaluation and relief, infection control, and general anesthesia. Children enrolled in Missouri’s CHIP and Medicaid programs currently do, and will continue to, receive dental coverage. 

 

The effective date of services being covered by Medicaid will be dependent upon the approval of the state plan amendment by CMS. Missourians can locate dentists and dental hygienists currently authorized to accept Medicaid participants using the provider search function found here.

 

The provider rate increases announced today by the Governor include a one percent increase for the following programs:

 

§  DMH – Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment services provided by contracted community providers for people with severe substance use disorders. 

§  DMH – Comprehensive Psychiatric Services provided in state operated hospitals and contracted community mental health centers for adults with serious mental illness and children with severe emotional disturbances.

§  DMH – Developmental Disabilities Community Programs provided by contracted providers for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to improve their lives and enable them to live independently and productively. 

 

§  DHSS – In Home Services for Medicaid-eligible seniors and persons with disabilities to assist with activities of daily living, including cooking, cleaning, and bathing.

 

§  DHSS – Private Duty Nursing services for Medicaid-eligible persons with serious and complex medical needs to maintain health and independence.

 

§  DSS – MO HealthNet Physician Related Services for Medicaid eligible persons, including those services provided by physicians, nurse practitioners, clinics, lab and x-ray facilities, nurse midwives, podiatrist, certified registered nurse anesthetists, anesthetist assistance, licensed clinical social workers, and asthma educators.

 

§  DSS – MO HealthNet Home Health services for Medicaid-eligible persons that help them remain in their home instead of seeking institutional care.

 

§  DSS – MO HealthNet Rehabilitation and Specialty services, providing assistance with audiology, hearing aids, optical, durable medical equipment, ambulance, rehabilitation center, hospice, diabetes self-management training, and comprehensive day rehabilitation for persons who are Medicaid eligible.

 

§  DSS – MO HealthNet Complex Rehabilitation, providing durable medical equipment individually configured to meet the specific and unique medical, physical, and functional capacities of the Medicaid-eligible person.

 

§  DSS – MO HealthNet Dental services for Medicaid-eligible children, pregnant women, blind persons, and nursing facility residents.

 

§  DSS – MO HealthNet Health Homes for the coordination and management of care, health promotion, individual and family support, and referral to community services for persons with multiple chronic conditions who are Medicaid eligible.

 

§  DSS – MO HealthNet Nursing Facilities rate increase for long-term nursing care for Medicaid eligible persons (pending CMS approval).

 

§  DSS – Child Welfare Providers for abused and neglected children, which includes children in foster care, residential treatment services, children’s treatment services, and adoption/guardianship services and support.