Bill > AB371

This bill enhances dental coverage regulations in California by modifying existing health insurance and healthcare service plan rules. It requires health plans and insurers to pay noncontracting dental providers directly for covered services if the provider submits a signed assignment of benefits form from the patient. Before accepting such an assignment, the noncontracting dental provider must disclose that they are out-of-network, inform the patient about potential lower costs with in-network providers, and provide a cost estimate. The bill also shortens appointment wait times for dental services, requiring urgent dental appointments within 48 hours, nonurgent appointments within 18 business days, and preventive care appointments within 20 business days. Additionally, it mandates that dental providers be geographically accessible according to state regulations, and requires health plans and insurers to report comprehensive information about their dental provider networks. The bill aims to improve transparency, patient choice, and access to dental care by creating more standardized and patient-friendly insurance practices. It applies to most health insurance policies and healthcare service plans covering dental services, with specific exemptions for Medi-Cal managed care plans.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB371