Oklahoma Senate Bill SB1373

Oklahoma 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/5/24
• Refer: 2/6/24

Caption

Health and dental insurance; requiring coverage of temporomandibular joint care; specifying terms of coverage. Effective date.

Impact

The passage of SB1373 would lead to significant changes in the coverage provided by health and dental insurers within Oklahoma. By requiring insurance policies to cover TMJ treatments, the bill responds to advocacy from patients and healthcare professionals who argue that such treatments are essential for those affected by TMJ disorders. As a result, this legislation would create a more inclusive framework for healthcare coverage that aligns the definition of TMJ disorders across both medical and dental categories.

Summary

Senate Bill 1373 aims to amend Oklahoma's health and dental insurance laws by mandating coverage for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) treatment. The legislation specifies that health benefit plans and dental coverage issued or renewed after its effective date must include diagnostic, therapeutic, and surgical procedures related to TMJ and associated conditions. The bill intends to address the gap in insurance policies that often categorize TMJ disorders as purely dental, thereby restricting access to necessary medical treatments.

Contention

While SB1373 addresses a critical healthcare need, it may face opposition from insurers who could be concerned about the potential increase in claims and costs associated with covering previously excluded treatments. Critics may argue that the bill could lead to higher premiums or limit insurer flexibility. Furthermore, discussions in legislative contexts may involve debates on whether the state should mandate specific coverage types or leave such decisions to insurers and market dynamics.