NADP Celebrates Passage of Key Dental Benefit Legislation Enhancing Transparency and Consumer Choice
31 Julio 2024 - 3:30PM
The National Association of Dental Plans (NADP) is pleased to
announce the successful passage of several important state bills
that align with the association’s mission to improve consumer
access to affordable, quality dental care. These new laws are
consistent with NADP’s vision of working constructively with
lawmakers and regulators on industry oversight premised on
recognizing good industry practices. It is the result of
collaboration with industry partners, external allies, and NADP's
dedicated advocacy.
Louisiana SB 463 Loss Ratio
ReportingLouisiana’s Senate Bill (SB) 463 increases dental
insurance transparency by requiring annual reporting of financial
data organized by market and plan type. The bill reasonably caps
activities to improve dental care quality, at 5 percent of the
carrier’s net revenue. Additionally, SB 463 requires the additional
reporting of data, in the event it is not already included in
existing reporting.
Virginia HB 1132 Loss Ratio
Reporting Virginia’s House Bill (HB) 1132 is a loss ratio
reporting bill. It further requires the development of a workgroup
that includes dental carriers, representatives from the Virginia
Dental Association, the Association of Dental Support
Organizations, and other interested stakeholders to determine if
reporting revisions are necessary. The Bureau of Insurance may also
evaluate the effectiveness of financial reporting and make
recommendations on the continuation or modification of loss ratio
reporting.
Rhode Island SB 2873 Loss Ratio
Reporting and Study BillRhode Island’s SB 2873 requires
annual loss ratio reporting by market segment beginning in 2025
with the submission of loss ratio data for 2023 and 2024. The
Insurance commissioner will be required to submit an analysis of
the reporting information no later than October 1, 2026, along with
recommendations with respect to loss ratio in the state.
Iowa HF 2400 Network Leasing and
Virtual Credit CardsIowa’s House File (HF) 2400 regulates
provider contracting in relation to network leasing and virtual
credits. The law, which aligns with the Transparency in Dental
Model Act established by the National Council of Insurance
Legislators (NCOIL), allows providers to opt-out of leasing
provisions and use of virtual credit cards, while establishing
reasonable notification requirements to protect plans and
providers.
Tennessee HB 677 Virtual Credit
CardsTennessee’s HB 677 protects provider choice by
allowing for use of virtual credit cards as a valid form of payment
for services rendered. In alignment with the NCOIL Transparency in
Dental Model Act, the law allows for a provider to elect the form
of payment that works best for their practice, including the
ability to opt out of receipt of payment by virtual credit
cards.
Maintaining Affordability and Choice for
Consumers
These legislative successes align with the NADP objective to
maintain the affordability of dental benefits that, for more than a
decade, have remained under the inflation rate, according to the
NADP 2023 Dental Benefits Report: Premiums. This is crucial as
dental benefits are primarily a voluntary benefit that can be
discontinued if considered unaffordable. Unlike medical coverage
that often focuses on catastrophic conditions, dental benefits
emphasize preventive care, which is essential for maintaining oral
health and controlling healthcare costs.
"We are thrilled to see these legislative efforts come to
fruition, ensuring that consumers have access to affordable and
high-quality dental plans," said NADP Executive Director Mike
Adelberg. "These new laws are consistent of NADP’s vision of
supporting reasonable regulation that aligns with good industry
practices."
NADP is proud to have contributed to these legislative
advancements, ensuring that consumers continue to have access to a
wide array of affordable and high-quality dental plans. The
association remains committed to advocating for policies that
benefit both consumers and dental professionals.
About NADP
NADP is the largest non-profit trade association focused
exclusively on the dental benefits industry. NADP members provide
dental HMO, dental PPO, dental indemnity, and dental savings plan
products to more than 200 million Americans with dental benefits.
NADP members include the entire spectrum of dental carriers:
companies that provide both medical and dental coverage, companies
that provide only dental coverage, major national, regional, and
single state companies, as well as companies organized as
non-profit plans.
CONTACT:Michael AdelbergNADP Executive
Director(972) 457-1554madelberg@nadp.org