Michigan House Bill HB5938

Michigan 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 12/10/24
• Refer: 9/17/24
• Report Pass: 12/10/24
• Engrossed: 12/12/24
• Refer: 12/18/24

Caption

Insurance: health insurers; methods of payments and reimbursements for dental benefits; provide for. Amends 1956 PA 218 (MCL 500.100 - 500.8302) by adding sec. 3406kk).

Impact

If enacted, HB5938 will directly impact the operational procedures of dental insurers in Michigan by reforming how reimbursements are processed. The new requirement could lead to a more streamlined approach in payment models, ideally enhancing the economic viability of dental practices throughout the state. The law is designed to take effect for dental benefits policies delivered, issued for delivery, or renewed in Michigan post-enactment.

Summary

House Bill 5938 proposes an amendment to the 1956 insurance code, specifically addressing the payment and reimbursement methods for dental benefits. The bill mandates that health plans or nonprofit dental care corporations provide at least one payment method that ensures dentists receive 100% of the payment without incurring fees for accessing that payment. This legislative effort is intended to alleviate the financial burden on dental practitioners and improve the efficiency of reimbursement processes.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB5938 is generally positive among dental professionals and associations who see this bill as a progressive move towards ensuring fair compensation for services rendered. Supporters believe that eliminating fees incurred by dentists to access payments will foster better financial health within dental practices and possibly encourage more professionals to accept dental insurance.

Contention

However, there may be points of contention related to how these changes affect the broader insurance landscape, including challenges from health insurers who may argue that these mandated payment methods could lead to increased costs for them or potentially complicate existing payment schemes. The debate may center on balancing the interests of dental practitioners with those of insurance providers and the sustainability of such policies in the long term.