SENATOR THOMPSON'S LEGISLATION TO CURB DENTAL INSURANCE OVERREACH RECEIVES FULL SENATE APPROVAL

The following information was released by the Oklahoma State Senate:

Legislation authored by Sen. Kristen Thompson, R-Edmond, to stop dental insurance companies from setting prices for services they do not cover has passed the Oklahoma Senate 40-to-3.

"Insurance companies shouldn't be able to dictate the cost of services,"Senator Thompson said."Under current practice, insurers may influence charges even when they are not paying for a service. This legislation draws a clear line by protecting the relationship between patients and their dental providers, while helping ensure pricing decisions are made by those performing the services, not by insurers who are removed from the exam room. Senate Bill 1942 promotes fairness, transparency and consumer protections."

Senate Bill 1942prohibits dental insurers from requiring providers to accept insurer-mandated fees for procedures outside a patient's coverage. The measure is designed to restore pricing decisions to dentists while increasing transparency for patients seeking care.

The bill now advances to the Oklahoma House of Representatives for consideration.