New laws are being introduced and passed this year to increase coverage and accountability from dental insurers, with the backing of state and federal dental organizations.
In addition to holding insurers accountable, the bills aim to enhance access to care and support dental office operations.
Here are three ways legislation is addressing payer issues in the dental industry, and how dental groups are supporting these bills:
Dental loss ratios
Three states have enacted dental loss ratios so far this year: Montana, North Dakota and Washington. These DLRs are meant to ensure insurers spend a certain amount of premium dollars on patient care and claims versus administrative costs.
The National Council of Insurance Legislators, with the support of the American Dental Association, provided final approval for model legislation for a dental loss ratio last year. This model legislation was most recently used to help the Montana Dental Association get a DLR passed for their state earlier this year.
Source: What dental leaders want from payers next / Becker’s Dental