California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a law to provide more clarity to dentists on what type of dental benefit plan they are dealing with.
Under the new law, plans are required to disclose in multiple ways if it is state or federally regulated at the time of determining coverage, according to an Aug. 3 news release from the California Dental Association.
The increased disclosure will allow dentists and patients to know which regulatory entity to contact when conflict occurs with a dental plan.
The lack of clarity has been a problem for dentists, as they are unsure what type of plan they are dealing with until the entire billing process has been completed, which can lead to plans denying coverage for services that have already been provided to a patient.
The law goes into effect in January 2025, the release said.