Commissioner Dyer urges county support for bill to raise dental reimbursement for Medicaid recipients

Commissioner Dyer told the board that House Bill 2597, a Ways and Means item, would direct the Oregon Health Authority and coordinated care organizations (CCOs) to reimburse dental services for medical assistance recipients at a floor rate described in the bill text.

Dyer said two recurring participants at the county health council — Gary Allen and Michael Shirtcliff — have pressed the county to support the bill because “dental health care is like the start to your whole physical health.” Dyer asked staff and fellow commissioners to consider a support position and to prepare a simple letter; she volunteered to work with the county health council on drafting language.

Why it matters: County officials said improving dental access for medical‑assistance recipients could create a preventive touchpoint for broader health screening and follow‑up. The bill is currently in the Ways and Means committee, a step that shapes funding decisions.

Key detail from the meeting: a county staff member read the bill summary on the call: HB 2597 “directs Oregon Health Authority coordinated care organizations to reimburse dental care for dental services provided to medical assistance recipients at a rate no less than 59.” Commissioners agreed to draft a short supportive letter and tap health council members for drafting assistance.

Ending: Commissioners asked staff to help assemble a short letter and suggested outreach to health council members to prepare the draft language for the county’s support position ahead of upcoming Ways and Means activity.