Overview
The WV Dental Association has identified unfair and deceptive practices by dental insurance carriers that harm both dentists and patients. These issues cannot be fixed without legislative action. Senate Bill 433 addresses four major problems in one comprehensive bill:
Key Components of SB 433
Medical Loss Ratio Transparency
- The WV Office of the Insurance Commissioner (OIC) collects MLR/DLR data, but it is buried in over 1,000 documents, making access difficult.
- Proposed Change: Require the OIC to publish a yearly summarized chart showing MLR/DLR percentages, helping dentists and consumers understand how premiums are spent.
Virtual Credit Card Payment Reform
- Some insurance companies require payment via virtual credit cards, costing providers up to 5% in transaction fees.
- Proposed Change: Allow virtual credit card payments but require clear disclosure of fees and require carriers to offer a fee-free alternative.
- Over 25 states, including PA, KY, and MD, have passed similar laws. NCOIL adopted this reform in 2020.
Transparency of Network Leasing
- Insurance companies can lease a dentist’s network participation to other plans without the dentist’s knowledge or consent.
- Proposed Change: Prohibit this practice without dentist consent to ensure patients and providers are informed partners.
- Over 30 states, including OH, KY, and VA, have passed similar laws. NCOIL adopted this reform in 2020.
Establishment of a Minimum Dental Loss Ratio (DLR)
- Currently, dental insurers can retain up to 50% of premiums for administrative costs, compared to 10-15% for medical insurers.
- Proposed Change: Set minimum DLR requirements: 85% for large group plans and 80% for small group plans.
- This provision passed the WV Senate in 2023 (SB 290) and 2024 (SB 178).
The Dental Insurance Transparency Act will:
- Improve transparency
- Increase accountability
- Enhance consumer protections
- Promote fairness compared to medical insurance
We Need Your Help!
The bill is introduced and assigned to the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee. Rich dental insurance companies are lobbying hard to block it!
If you live in the following counties, PLEASE CALL or EMAIL your Senator and ask them to:
- Support SB 433
- Request that it be heard by the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee
- Vote YES on the bill!
Contact Information
Berkeley, Jefferson
- Senator Jason Barrett – (304) 357-7933 – jason.barrett@wvsenate.gov
Cabell, Wayne
- Senator Scott Fuller – (304) 357-7937 – scott.fuller@wvsenate.gov
Kanawha
- Senator Anne Charnock – (304) 357-7854 – anne.charnock@wvsenate.gov
Pleasants, Wood, Ritchie, Wirt
- Senator Donna Boley – (304) 357-7905 – donna.boley@wvsenate.gov
Hancock, Brooke, Ohio, Marshall
- Senator Laura Chapman – (304) 357-7918 – laura.chapman@wvsenate.gov
Braxton, Webster, Pocahontas, Randolph, Upshur, Barbour, Pendleton
- Senator Robbie Morris – (304) 357-7973 – robbie.morris@wvsenate.gov
Marion, Monongalia
- Senator Joey Garcia – (304) 357-7961 – joey.garcia@wvsenate.gov
- Senator Mike Oliverio – (304) 357-7919 – mike.oliverio@wvsenate.gov
Pleasants, Ritchie, Wood, Wirt
- Senator Mike Azinger – (304) 357-7970 – mike.azinger@wvsenate.gov
Thank you for standing up for transparency, fairness, and patient protections in West Virginia!
