UPDATE: HB 96 Budget Progress

The House passed bill maintains all the funding included in the executive budget for the items we are monitoring.

HB 96 now heads to the Senate with a June 12 target for a floor vote.

The Legislation we're monitoring...

HB 96 – Operating Budget

Children’s Dental Services:

$3M FY 2026

$3M FY 2027

$6M total

Funding would support the Children's Dental Services Program which will prioritize providing mobile and portable dental services to children in Clinton, Crawford, Gallia, Highland, Hocking, Monroe, Noble, Paulding, and Washington counties. These counties are designated as dental health professional shortage areas and lack a safety net dental clinic to serve the community's needs.

OhioSEE and Dental Care Program:

$2M FY 2026 (Dental Care Program)

$2M FY 2027 (Dental Care Program)

$4M total

Enables the Department of Medicaid to transfer funds to the Department of Health in support of the OhioSEE and dental care program. This would amount to an additional $4M over the biennium to the dental program, over what is allocated in ODH appropriations.

School-Based Health Centers:

$10M FY 2026

$10M FY 2027

$20M total

$1M for a statewide data hub

Funds would be used to fund 23 new school-based health centers (SBHC) and expansion of services in 9 existing SBHCs. SBHCs are an evidence-based model that improves access to health care, including dental care, for children and adolescents.

Ohio Primary Care Workforce Initiative:

$7M over the biennium

Funds would be used to train future healthcare providers, including oral health providers, in federally qualified health centers (FQHCs).

Ohio State Dental Board:

14.5% increase FY 2026

4% increase FY 2027

Funds would be used to strengthen the regulatory framework governing dental practice in Ohio.

Dentist and Dental Hygienist Loan Repayment:

$ 270,000 FY 2026 – Dentist loan repayment

$ 270,000 FY 2027 – Dentist loan repayment

$540,000 total

$100,000 FY 2026 - Dental hygienist loan repayment