Dental loss ratios are picking up steam across the U.S. as states introduce legislation and dental organizations press federal agencies to create ratios for dental plans.
Here are six dental loss ratio updates Becker's has reported on so far in 2024:
1. Lawmakers in Rhode Island reintroduced the Fair Share for Dental Care Act to improve dental insurance transparency. The bill would establish a dental loss ratio in the state, requiring dental insurers to spend at least 85% of premiums on patient care. Insurers would also be subject to submitting annual reports to the Rhode Island Office of the Health Insurance Commissioner that include the current and projected medical loss ratio for claims for their plans.
2. Eight other states have introduced legislation to implement a dental loss ratio so far in 2024, including Illinois, Nebraska, New York, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington and West Virginia.
3. Part of the Illinois State Dental Society's legislative agenda for 2024 includes establishing a dental loss ratio.
4. The National Council of Insurance Legislators, a group of state lawmakers focused on insurance law, adopted model legislation for a dental loss ratio, with language approved by the American Dental Association and National Association of Dental Plans.
5. The American Dental Association suggested that CMS and HHS create a specific loss ratio for dental plans.
6. Massachusetts' dental loss ratio took effect Jan. 1.