Getting quality dental care is an essential part of keeping your overall health on track. Unfortunately, dental insurance can sometimes fall short of providing full coverage for essential dental services and procedures you need, leaving you with the responsibility of having to pay the difference.
Because dental insurance traditionally doesn’t have the same rules and mandates as health insurance in Nevada, dental insurance providers were not required to provide information on how much of an insurance carrier’s premium actually goes toward their care. However, Nevada State Senator Heidi Seevers Gansert (R-Reno) is trying to change that.
What does this new Nevada dental insurance bill propose?
Senator Seevers Gansert has filed a dental insurance reform bill that would increase the amount that dental insurance companies must spend on patient care to 80% of what the insurer pays for dental coverage. This percentage matches the amount that Nevada requires health insurance companies to spend on medical care.
In other words, 80% of the premium you pay for your dental insurance policy must go towards actual dental care if this bill is passed. The bill also proposes that you be paid the difference if the insurance company fails to meet the 80% spending requirement on dental care. Just like medical insurance, this information will be available to patients and the state through the dental insurance company’s financial statements.
Also, to prevent a sudden rise in insurance premiums, the bill would require all new dental insurance plan rates to be approved by the Nevada Insurance Commissioner.
Will this new bill increase dental benefits for Nevadans?
According to Senator Seevers Gansert, this dental insurance reform bill is designed to protect consumers and improve access to dental care in the state. Because dental insurance companies will be held to a higher standard of transparency and accountability, the end result could mean you pay less out of pocket for dental procedures that may not have been previously covered.
It can be frustrating to get stuck with an expensive bill after a dental procedure, particularly when you need emergency dental treatment you simply can’t postpone. The passing of this dental insurance reform bill may help reduce those costs by requiring the insurance company to put more of your insurance premium toward actual dental care.
Why is this dental insurance reform bill important in Nevada?
Unfortunately, Nevada doesn’t have the best track record for healthcare rankings when compared to other states. The Commonwealth Fund shares that the State of Nevada ranked 41st in overall health system performance and a dismal 51st when it comes to prevention and treatment in 2022. While some healthcare indicators did show some improvement, many of them dropped, including preventable hospitalizations. One of the bottom-ranked indicators was children without a medical or dental preventative care visit.
Because dental health is such a vital piece of the overall health puzzle, it’s essential that Nevadans have access to quality dental and patient care. The proposed Nevada insurance bill seeks to improve access and coverage, so Nevadans can stay on top of their dental health and avoid health issues or conditions that can stem from poor dental health during the year.
Prioritize your family’s dental health! Make an appointment online now with Absolute Dental.
When will the dental insurance bill be passed?
Nevada’s 82nd Legislature begins on Monday, February 6, 2023. According to the State of Nevada website, every legislative session starts on the first Monday of February and lasts for 120 calendar days. During the session, bills go through a process that involves five separate approvals for them to become law, including passing through both houses and the Governor.
The dental insurance reform bill will be included in Nevada’s next Legislature, where it will be introduced and referred to a committee for hearings or action. The committee must take action before the House deadlines in order to move forward. Otherwise, the bill dies.
If the bill is approved, it will become a law that takes effect later that year. When no date is specified in the bill, the law goes into effect on October 1, 2023.
How do I get Nevada dental insurance?
For many people, your employer will offer dental insurance Nevada plans as part of your employment benefits package. If not, you can purchase dental insurance and other types of health insurance plans through Nevada Health Link, which is the state’s insurance marketplace. The Nevada Division of Insurance shares more details on how to get Nevada Medicaid dental for adults or dental insurance for yourself and your family.
Is there a dental clinic near me? Yes! Absolute Dental has several locations across Nevada. Make an appointment now.
Why is preventative dental care important?
Preventative dental care means you’re staying on top of your health and addressing minor issues before they become major problems. When your dental health suffers, it can affect your overall health in several ways, including risks to your heart health. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), some ways you can keep your oral health on track are to:
- See your dentist regularly
- Get your teeth cleaned every six months
- Brush twice a day
- Floss once a day
- Pay attention to changes in your teeth and gums
- Eat a healthy diet that is low in sugar
Some people may also benefit from orthodontic treatment and cosmetic dentistry services as a way to make it easier to keep their teeth clean and feel good about their smiles. To learn more about the cosmetic dentist Las Vegas team at Absolute Dental or to find a dentist in Reno or Las Vegas, contact our team today!
Sources:
Brushing and Beyond: Key Oral Health Tips for Anyone with a Smile. (2023).
Heart Disease and Oral Health. (2023).
How to Purchase Insurance for You and Your Family. (2013).
Malkiewich, L., et al. (2023). The Nevada Legislative Process.
Nevada. (2022).
Nevada Health Link. (2021).
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