SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - Beginning in the new year, children with special needs will be able to receive accommodations at the dentists due to a new law, sponsored by state Rep. Mike Smiddy, which will take effect on Jan. 1.
"Even a simple visit to the dentist can be traumatic for children with special needs," Smiddy said. "If we want these children to get the preventative dental care they need, we have to ensure the resources necessary for these procedures are available."
Dental patients with autism or other special needs often require sedation for regular dental exams and procedures. The costs associated with the sedation can be a large financial burden on families. Under current law, insurance companies in Illinois are only required to cover sedation for dental procedure for children under six. Smiddy sponsored House Bill 235, a new law which requires coverage for sedation for individuals with special needs until the age of 26 for dental appointments if they have been unable to get care without it.
"This new law will help children have access to dental care that may otherwise be unavailable due to the costs associated with sedation," Smiddy said. "Families with special needs children face many challenges, and I'll continue to work to ensure they have the resources they need."
House Bill received bipartisan support when it passed the House in April. It was signed into law on July 27 and takes effect on Jan. 1, 2016.
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