(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, reimbursement to providers for dental services provided to individuals 21 years of age or older at the time of services shall be limited to not more than one thousand eight hundred dollars ($1,800) per beneficiary in any calendar year, commencing January 1, 2006. This limitation shall not apply to any of the following:
(1) Emergency dental services within the scope of covered dental benefits defined as a dental condition manifesting itself by acute symptoms of sufficient severity such that the absence of immediate medical attention could reasonably be expected to result in placing the health of the individual in serious jeopardy, serious impairment to bodily functions, or serious dysfunction of any bodily organ or part.
(2) Services that are federally mandated under Part 440 (commencing with Section 440.1) of Title 42 of the Code of Federal Regulations, including pregnancy-related services and services for other conditions that might complicate the pregnancy.
(3) Dentures.
(4) Maxillofacial and complex oral surgery.
(5) Maxillofacial services, including dental implants and implant-retained prostheses.
(6) Services provided in long-term care facilities.
(b) Notwithstanding Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code, the department may implement, interpret, or make specific this section by means of all-county letters, provider bulletins, or similar instructions. No later than January 1, 2008, the department shall adopt regulations in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code.
(c) The department shall pursue any state plan amendment or other federal approval necessary in order to effectuate this section. This section shall be implemented only to the extent that federal financial participation is available.
(Amended by Stats. 2008, Ch. 758, Sec. 35. Effective September 30, 2008.)