States are increasingly stepping in to hold dental insurers accountable, and the latest wave of legislative activity is changing how dentists get paid and what patients can expect from their coverage.
Massachusetts made history as the first state to enforce dental loss ratio rebates. It wasn’t alone — four other states took action in recent weeks to increase transparency, boost reimbursements and reduce financial friction for dental providers.
Here are five updates to know, as reported by Becker’s since July 17:
- Massachusetts is requiring dental insurance companies to provide rebates to consumers for failing to meet dental loss ratio standards, becoming the first state to enforce dental loss ratio rebates.
- A new bill in Pennsylvania aims to expand dental insurance transparency by requiring dental insurers to legally stand behind the benefit quotes they give providers and patients.
- MaineCare, the state Medicaid program in Maine, has increased anesthesia reimbursement rates for dental providers.
- Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed a bill that makes it easier for dentists to access their reimbursements without incurring additional fees.
- A two-paragraph provision in North Carolina’s new state budget has left oral health advocates uncertain about its implications for Medicaid coverage of dental procedures performed at ASCs.
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