I 112th CONGRESS 2d Session H. R. 4091 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES February 27, 2012 Ms. DeGette introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce A BILL To assist low-income individuals in obtaining medically recommended dental care.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the Coordination of Pro Bono Medically Recommended Dental Care Act.

2.

Grants or contracts to facilitate low-income access to dental care

Part B of title III of the Public Health Service Act is amended by inserting after section 317M (42 U.S.C. 247b–14a) the following new section:

317M–1.

Grants or contracts to facilitate low-income access to dental care

(a)

Grants

The Secretary shall award competitive grants to, or enter into contracts with, eligible entities to maximize the number of eligible low-income individuals receiving dental care. (b)

Use of funds

An entity shall use amounts received under a grant or contract under this section to fund the employment costs of a program to— (1)coordinate the provision of free, medically recommended dental care to eligible low-income individuals by volunteer dentists in a manner consistent with State licensing laws; and (2)verify the medical, dental, and financial needs of eligible low-income individuals who may be eligible for such dental services. (c)

Eligibility

(1)

Eligible entity

To be eligible to receive a grant or contract under subsection (a), an entity shall— (A)be an entity that is exempt from tax under section 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986; (B)provide for the participation of eligible individuals in a free dental services program; and (C)submit to the Secretary an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require. (2)

Eligible individual

To be eligible to participate in a program described in paragraph (1)(B), an individual shall be— (A)an adult individual entitled to benefits under part A of title XVIII of the Social Security Act; (B)an individual enrolled in part B of title XVIII of such Act; (C)an individual enrolled in a State plan or waiver under title XIX of such Act; or (D)an individual enrolled in a State child health plan under title XXI of such Act or under an approved waiver of such plan. (d)

Authorization of appropriations

There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section, $2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 through 2017.

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