Reviving an issue that has sparked heavy debate, a South Florida senator Wednesday proposed creating a new dental program for children in the Medicaid program.

The proposal (SB 350), filed by Sen. Anitere Flores, R-Miami, would establish a program that would be separate from the state's new Medicaid managed-care system. Under the proposal, the state would contract with at least two prepaid dental health plans, which would have networks of dentists throughout the state.

It also would direct the Agency for Health Care Administration to seek federal approval for the program, which would be slated to take effect by Sept. 1, 2016.

"The Legislature finds that an overriding concern in the design and delivery of Medicaid dental services is ensuring the dental health of children," the bill says. "Due to the unique challenges that exist in the delivery of Medicaid dental services and considering the historical shortcomings of access to such services in this state, special attention must be given to the issues of children's access to dental services and provider network sustainability."

Similar proposals died last year in the House and Senate, with opponents arguing, at least in part, that lawmakers should not "carve out" children's dental services from the statewide managed-care system.

Under that system, almost all beneficiaries are enrolled in HMOs and other types of managed-care plans that are required to provide a variety of health services.