Two states have enacted new dental benefit laws, both of which have been supported by the ADA’s State Public Affairs program.
Pennsylvania passed legislation that prohibits dental insurers from adopting a policy of paying participating dentists using only virtual credit cards, while Illinois passed legislation on prior authorization and requiring health insurers to cover medically necessary care and treatment for significant jaw injuries caused by accident or disease. Pennsylvania and Illinois join Arizona, Florida, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Maryland, Missouri, Ohio, Rhode Island, Tennessee and Virginia in recently passing dental benefit legislation.
Both states used SPA grants to build support for their campaigns. The ADA founded its SPA program in 2006 to help state societies manage specific legislative and public affairs matters, and it has since evolved into a valued resource for state dental societies by helping to add capacity to their lobbying, communications and public affairs efforts.
Pennsylvania passed House Bill 1664, which prohibits dental insurers from limiting claim payment methodology to only virtual credit cards. Dental insurers are now required to provide notice to participating dentists of all the payment options, in addition to instructions and contact information for dentists to obtain the exact fees imposed by the insurer or its contracted vendors.
Source: More states enact dental insurance legislation / ADA News