Bill > HB1091

This bill prohibits health insurers and dental plan organizations from preventing insured individuals or enrollees from assigning their benefits to dentists, and from refusing to directly pay dentists who are not part of their preferred network (nonpreferred providers) when benefits are assigned. If a nonpreferred dentist seeks an assignment of benefits, they must first provide the patient with specific information, including whether they are a nonpreferred provider, potential charges for noncovered services or balance billing for covered services, an estimate of costs, payment terms, and any applicable interest. The dentist must also submit a disclosure form to document the assignment of benefits. The bill also clarifies that "similarly licensed provider" includes dentists who perform the same or similar dental services. These provisions aim to ensure transparency and fair reimbursement practices for dentists and their patients within the health insurance and dental plan systems, with the changes taking effect on January 1, 2027.

Health and Social Services

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB1091?ys=2026RS