IL
Illinois Bill Would Allow Patients to Assign Dental Insurance Benefits Directly to Out-of-Network Dentists
HB2371 would require dental insurance plans in Illinois to allow policyholders to assign their benefits directly to out-of-network dental providers. Under current law, insurers can restrict or prohibit such assignments, which can limit where patients choose to receive care. If signed into law, patients would have the legal right to direct their dental insurance payments to any licensed dentist of their choosing, not just those in their plan's network. The bill has passed the legislature and been sent to the Governor.
✓ REASONS TO SUPPORT
- Patients could visit any licensed dentist they prefer, not just those in their insurance network, giving them more freedom of choice.
- People in areas with few in-network dentists would have an easier time finding and affording care from available local providers.
- Dentists outside insurance networks could receive payment more directly, potentially reducing paperwork burdens for both patients and providers.
- Patients who have existing relationships with out-of-network dentists would not have to choose between keeping their dentist and using their insurance benefits.
✕ REASONS TO OPPOSE
- Insurers may raise premiums across the board to offset increased costs from reimbursing a wider range of out-of-network providers.
- Insurance networks are designed to control costs through negotiated rates; loosening network restrictions could reduce that cost discipline.
- Insurers could lose leverage to negotiate lower rates with providers, potentially increasing overall dental care costs for all plan members.
- Administrative complexity may increase for insurers managing claims from a larger, less standardized pool of providers.
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