With less than 24 hours’ notice from the Senate Health and Human Services Committee, the CDA mobilized its grassroots network of members to reach state legislators before the committee met to vote on SB17-190: Insurance Carrier Fees for Noncovered Dental Services. Thanks to these grassroots efforts and member dentists testifying during that hearing, the bill has passed the committee by a 4-to-1 vote and moves on to the Senate floor for its next vote.
About SB17-190
Introduced in the Colorado legislature just last week, the CDA’s effort on SB17-190 seeks to stop dental plans from dictating fees for services they do not cover. The bill seeks to add Colorado to the list of 39 U.S. states that prohibit this unfair contracting practice. SB17-190 is the first step in a broad conversation the CDA will have with legislators in coming years about needed reforms to dental plan design and dental care delivery.
How It Affects You and Your Patients
As a dentist, you know firsthand that the practice of dental plans dictating fees for noncovered services can disrupt patient choice of dental services and the patient-provider relationship. It can also interfere in fair delivery of dental services for patients across the state, creating cost shifting and barriers to care.
Take Action
Thanks to all of the dentists who responded to the CDA’s urgent call to action! Already more than 40 state legislators have received a message about the importance of SB17-190. If you haven’t already added your voice to the conversation, there’s still time. Please take 5 minutes to tell your state legislators about how disruptive this practice can be to you and your patients. A note about your experience with noncovered service policies will make your message have an even greater impact.
What’s Next
SB17-190 moves on to the Senate floor for its next vote. Once the bill receives final approval from the state Senate, it will move to the state House of Representatives for consideration. The CDA will be there to represent the interests of its member dentists all the way through the process. The more voices the better. Contact your legislators today!
