Bill > HB2522

This bill aims to improve oral health equity and protect access to preventive dental care by requiring health carriers, which include dental insurers and similar entities, to cover medically necessary preventive dental services determined by a dentist, without imposing age or frequency limitations. The legislation acknowledges that preventive dental care is crucial for overall health, preventing more costly treatments, and mitigating systemic health issues like diabetes and cardiovascular disease. It also addresses concerns about potential federal actions that could reduce fluoride access, while noting that some private dental benefit plans already restrict coverage for essential preventive services like fluoride treatments, sealants, and oral cancer screenings, even when funds are available. The bill mandates that if a dental plan requires an additional service for reimbursement of a preventive service, the carrier must pay for both, and it defines "preventive dental services" broadly to include various treatments and screenings.

Health and Social Services

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=2522&Year=2025&Initiative=false