Governor Deval Patrick's Budget Recommendation - House 1 Fiscal Year 2014

Outside Section 30



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Study Commission on Dental Insurance

SECTION 30.   (a) There shall be a special commission on dental insurance. The commission shall review carrier contracts with dental providers and the methods by which dental providers are reimbursed for services provided to persons covered under the carriers' dental plans. The commission shall study all facets of fees charged by dentists within network dental plans, including those limited by the terms of a dentist's contract with carriers. The commission shall make recommendations to ensure that contract terms and methods of reimbursing dental providers promote the delivery of quality and affordable dental care in the commonwealth.
(b) The commission shall be comprised of the following 21 members: the undersecretary of the office of consumer affairs and business regulation, or her designee, who shall serve as chair; the commissioner of insurance, or his designee; the executive director of the group insurance commission, or her designee; the executive director of the commonwealth health insurance connector authority, or her designee; the MassHealth director or his designee; the executive director of the health policy commission, or his designee; 2 members of the senate appointed by the president; 2 members of the house of representatives appointed by the speaker; 1 member of the senate and of the house of representatives appointed by the minority leader of each; 2 dentists appointed by the Massachusetts Dental Society, 1 of whom shall be a general dentist and 1 of whom shall be a specialist; 1 representative of each of the following 4 organizations: the Retailers Association of Massachusetts; the Life Insurance Association of Massachusetts; Health Law Advocates; and Health Care for All; and 3 persons to be named by the chair, 1 of whom shall represent a medical service corporation authorized to operate under chapter 176B of the General Laws, and 1 of whom shall represent a dental service corporation authorized to operate under chapter 176E of the General Laws.
(c) The commission shall hold its first meeting within 60 days after passage of this act. The commission shall file a report detailing its work and findings, including any legislative recommendations, with the clerks of the house of representatives and the senate not later than December 31, 2013.
 
 

Summary:
This section establishes a study commission on dental insurance, to ensure that contract terms and methods of reimbursing dentists promote the delivery of quality and affordable dental care.



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