“State Tax Amnesty” program collects $35 million; Nixon to use money for dental programs

The Missouri Department of Revenue will collect about $35 million under the latest tax amnesty mandated by House Bill 384.

Earlier this week, Governor Nixon announced he would use the collected revenues to expand 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.

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

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

2. 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.

3. 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.

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

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

6. 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.

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

8. 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.

9. 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.

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

11. 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.

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

13. 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.