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Whether you are in the process of deciding if you should contract with dental plans or need assistance managing existing dental plans, rely on CDA’s resources and experts for advice and education.

Two CDA-sponsored bills introduced this month, including one authored by Assemblymember Jim Wood, DDS, continue CDA’s legislative efforts to hold dental insurance plans accountable and move toward more meaningful dental coverage.

On behalf of members, CDA has filed a legal action against Delta Dental of California in San Francisco Superior Court. The action challenges Delta Dental’s adjustments to Premier and PPO provider agreements effective Jan. 1, 2023.

The Department of Managed Health Care asked Delta Dental to report any rate changes affecting over 10% of its provider network to the department. Additionally, DMHC is monitoring its help desk for calls from consumers.  

In Tuesday’s election, Massachusetts voters overwhelmingly supported a ballot measure that will require Massachusetts dental plans to spend at least 83% of premium dollars on patient care rather than administrative overhead costs and executive compensation. 
 

The Biden administration this week expanded coverage for medically necessary dental procedures in Medicare. Coverage of some services — specifically, elimination of infection preceding an organ transplant and certain cardiac procedures — will begin in 2023, while coverage of dental services linked to head and neck cancers will start in 2024.  

Every quarter, CDA publishes a Practice Health Check focusing on a different topic related to the business side of dentistry. Evaluating dental benefit plan fees, costs and billing tools is the focus during the fourth quarter of 2022. CDA members are invited to take the Q4 Practice Health Check consisting of just three questions. 

Update 11/9/22: The CDA-endorsed ballot measure in Massachusetts – Question 2 – passed in Tuesday's election and will require dental insurance companies to spend at least 83% of premium dollars collected on dental services as opposed to using the money for administrative costs and executive compensation.

A proposed rule from the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services would cover medically necessary dental services as part of the existing medical services benefit in Medicare. CDA last week submitted specific recommendations on coverage of services.