Ask Your Senators to Support the DOC Access Act Today
S.1793, the Dental and Optometric Care (DOC) Access Act, was introduced in the Senate by Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Kevin Cramer (R-ND). If enacted, the legislation would ensure fairness in doctor and insurer agreements by prohibiting insurers from setting the fees network doctors may charge for services not covered by dental and vision plans.
Historically, insurance providers have mandated through contracts what doctors must charge patients for services and materials that are not covered under vision or dental plans, regardless of the usual and customary rate. These charges, set by the insurance provider’s fee schedule, often do not cover the total cost of supplies and services.
Under the DOC Access Act, dentists would be able to charge an amount that is usual and customary for noncovered services. Contract plans between dentists and insurers would be limited to two years unless a dentist chooses to extend the contract for additional terms. The legislation would also permit a person adversely affected by a violation of the law to challenge insurance plans in court.
Click here to ask your Senator to cosponsor the DOC Access Act today.
Impact on General Dentistry: AGD strongly supports the DOC Access Act and efforts to bring equity to insurer and provider agreements. The DOC Access Act will foster competition in the health insurance market and protect patients and providers from the unfair consequences of fee setting for noncovered services.
Historically, insurance providers have mandated through contracts what doctors must charge patients for services and materials that are not covered under vision or dental plans, regardless of the usual and customary rate. These charges, set by the insurance provider’s fee schedule, often do not cover the total cost of supplies and services.
Under the DOC Access Act, dentists would be able to charge an amount that is usual and customary for noncovered services. Contract plans between dentists and insurers would be limited to two years unless a dentist chooses to extend the contract for additional terms. The legislation would also permit a person adversely affected by a violation of the law to challenge insurance plans in court.
Click here to ask your Senator to cosponsor the DOC Access Act today.
Impact on General Dentistry: AGD strongly supports the DOC Access Act and efforts to bring equity to insurer and provider agreements. The DOC Access Act will foster competition in the health insurance market and protect patients and providers from the unfair consequences of fee setting for noncovered services.