Washington legislators are considering a bill that would impose more requirements for dental insurers in the state.
Five notes:
1. SB 5351 was introduced Jan. 16, with companion bill HB 1535 being filed shortly after.
2. The bill would require all dental insurance plans in the state to maintain a dental loss ratio of at least 85%.
3. The bill would also require insurers to maintain parity in reimbursements regardless of whether a dentist is a member of its network.
4. Additionally, insurers would be prohibited from denying reimbursements for covered procedures due to them being performed on the same day as another covered procedure.
5. The bill has bipartisan support, and is also backed by the Washington State Dental Association.