More than a dozen states have introduced legislation to implement a dental loss ratio so far this year.
Overall, 23 states have filed dental loss ratio bills since the start of 2023, according to an April 22 news release from the American Dental Association.
Dental loss ratios ensure that patient premiums are being spent on patient care rather than administrative costs.
Here is where dental loss ratio stands in April 2025 across 12 states:
- Alabama lawmakers are weighing Senate Bill 203, which would require insurers that do not spend at least 85% of premiums on claims to issue refunds to policyholders.
- Connecticut’s Senate Bill 1003 creates a dental loss ratio target of 83% for any dental insurance policy issued in the state.
- Kansas lawmakers are considering Senate Bill 182, which would require a dental loss ratio of 85% starting July 1, 2026.
- Minnesota has introduced Senate File 1204, which would require organizations to have a dental loss ratio of at least 85%.
- Missouri lawmakers are considering House Bill 439 and Senate Bill 680, which would require dental plans to give annual rebates to enrollees if the dental loss ratio is less than 85%.
- Montana lawmakers are weighing Senate Bill 355, which requires the commissioner to investigate insurers designated as outliers. Those insurers may have to issue refunds if they continually fall outside of the average loss ratios. There is currently not a reporting requirement in Montana.
- Nebraska lawmakers are considering Legislative Bill 639, which would implement a minimum dental loss ratio of 85% by Jan. 1, 2026.
- New Jersey lawmakers are considering Senate Bill 4063, which would require insurers to file a dental loss ratio report containing the number of covered individuals, plan cost-sharing and deductible amounts and the annual maximum coverage limit.
- New York’s Assembly Bill 3919 would establish a minimum dental loss ratio requirement of 82%.
- Oklahoma lawmakers are weighing three separate bills that would create a dental loss ratio and reporting requirements.
- Washington has introduced legislation that paves a path for minimum dental loss ratios in the state.
- West Virginia’s Senate Bill 433 and House Bill 2690 sets dental loss ratios of 85% for large group plans and 80% for individual or small group plans.
