The Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) Board approved a contribution of $50,000 from the AGD Advocacy Fund to support a statewide ballot initiative in Massachusetts — Question 2 — that would require dental insurance companies to spend at least 83% of premium dollars collected on dental services or refund the difference to patients.

The percentage of premiums paid out for care is called a medical loss ratio (MLR) and Massachusetts currently has an 88% MLR for medical insurance plans. Under Question 2, in addition to refunding premiums if the 83% MLR is not met, premium increases are presumptively capped at the rate of inflation and the Department of Insurance will have the power to approve or disapprove rates.

Question 2 is endorsed by the ADA and the Massachusetts Dental Society who created the Massachusetts Dental Care Providers for Better Dental Benefits to campaign for Question 2.  Please join with your fellow dentists from around the country and help fight for quality dental insurance by making a donation to the campaign at this link.

Impact on General Dentistry: If Question 2 passes, Massachusetts will be the first state to mandate a dental insurance MLR.  Dentists around the country are supporting Question 2 because it will help oral health by improving dental insurance in Massachusetts and because passage of Question 2 will likely lead to other states enacting similar legislation.