The Illinois State Dental Society is lobbying the state legislature on six dental initiatives, mainly dental insurance reform.
Here are the changes the organization is advocating for, according to an April 17 news release:
- Requiring dental insurers to meet a dental loss ratio and spend a minimum amount of premium dollars on patient care.
- Giving dentists the ability to opt out of the new network when dental insurers lease their networks to another company.
- Not holding dental practices responsible for paying processing fees on any electronic payments from insurers.
- Implementing stronger protections for patients when using direct-to-consumer clear aligners.
- Creating standards for when Medicaid patients can receive orthodontic care.
- Opposing the proposed dental provider tax under the Medicaid program.