New Jersey Assembly Bill A2546

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/14/22
• Refer: 2/14/22

Caption

Requires insurance carriers offering dental benefit plans to provide certain level of coverage and reimbursement.

Impact

The implementation of A2546 is expected to have a significant impact on the dental insurance landscape in New Jersey. It will require insurance providers to adjust their plans to meet the new coverage requirements, which will potentially increase the overall level of dental care available to residents. The bill also specifies that a provider must be reimbursed at a minimum of 75% of the usual and customary charges, aiming to enhance provider participation in insurance networks and improve the availability of dental services.

Summary

A2546 is a legislative bill that aims to enhance dental benefit plans offered by insurance carriers in New Jersey. The bill mandates that such plans provide coverage that is actuarially equivalent to a full actuarial value determined by the Commissioner of Banking and Insurance. This ensures a baseline level of coverage that is consistent across dental benefit plans, providing a standardized approach to dental care access for insured individuals. By establishing these requirements, the bill seeks to improve the efficacy and fairness of dental insurance.

Contention

While the bill is designed to standardize and improve dental coverage, discussions surrounding A2546 may bring forth concerns regarding the affordability and availability of dental plans. Some stakeholders might argue that the requirements to meet actuarial standards could lead to increased premiums for consumers. Additionally, the process by which the Commissioner determines coverage levels and customary charges may become a point of contention, particularly if there are disparities between regional practices across New Jersey hotspots.