Kansas House Bill HB2712

Kansas 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/6/24
• Refer: 2/6/24
• Failed: 4/30/24

Caption

Prohibiting dental health insurance contracts from limiting the fee a dentist may charge for a noncovered service, disallowing an otherwise covered service or preventing a dentist from billing and collecting for a service that is a dental necessity.

Impact

If enacted, HB2712 would significantly change the landscape of dental insurance by ensuring that dentists are properly compensated for necessary procedures even when those procedures are not included in a patient's insurance coverage. The bill addresses the concerns of dentists who argue that current contractual agreements often lead to unfair practices that limit their ability to serve their patients effectively. Moreover, the legislation is intended to empower dentists to advocate for appropriate patient treatments without the constraints imposed by insurance companies.

Summary

House Bill 2712 aims to amend existing regulations surrounding dental health insurance contracts in Kansas. Specifically, the bill prohibits contracts between health insurers and dentists from imposing restrictions on the fees that dentists can charge for services not covered by insurance, as well as disallowing an otherwise covered service or limiting a dentist's ability to bill patients for services deemed necessary. The measure is part of an effort to enhance patient access to necessary dental care and alleviate barriers presented by current insurance practices that might otherwise restrict a dentist's ability to offer comprehensive treatment options.

Contention

Despite its supportive intent, the bill may face contention within the legislative process, particularly from insurance providers who may argue that the changes could lead to increased costs within the healthcare system. Opponents might claim that allowing dentists to bill for non-covered services without restrictions could inflate premiums for consumers, raising concerns about the affordability of dental care. However, advocates claim that the bill would ultimately benefit patients by increasing access to vital dental services and facilitating better overall health outcomes.