Proposed Legislation Puts Dental Insurance on Par With Health Insurance

NEVADA – A trip to the dentist is not something that many people look forward to.

Even if there are no dental issues, dental insurance can be a valuable supplement to overall health.

“When you think about dental care, normally individuals go twice a year, and it really is critical to their overall health,” says Nevada State Senate minority leader Heidi Seevers Gansert.

Despite the fact that excellent dental hygiene can benefit the body, Senator Seevers Gansert claims that dental insurance in Nevada is not treated the same as health insurance.

In the case of health insurance, 80% of the premium must be spent on patient care. Dental insurance, on the other hand, is exempt from such regulations.

“Right now, dental insurance carriers are not required to submit such information to the state,” Senator Seevers Gansert explains. “And so, just like with medical, we are going to require that the information be submitted to the state so that we can know how much is being paid in premiums right now.”

Senator Seevers Gansert plans to present legislation in the upcoming legislative session requiring dental insurers to pay 80% of premiums to patient care.

If approved, insurers are required to display that information publicly and refund money to dental insurance purchasers if the 80% is not fulfilled. These are the same basic principles that medical insurance must follow in Nevada, and the senator sees no reason why dental insurers can’t follow suit.

Other states across the country are looking into this issue. Last month, Massachusetts voters approved a ballot initiative directing 82% of dental premium dollars to patient treatment.

The 82nd Legislature of Nevada convenes on February 6.

Credits: KOLOTV