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The NADP Communications WorkGroup is working proactively to promote messaging about how the dental benefits industry helped providers, employers and consumers manage the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently reported approximately 12 million consumers selected or were automatically re-enrolled in Marketplace plans during the 2021 Open Enrollment Period, an increase of about 600,000 plan selections from the same time last year.

Earlier this month, the Department of Labor (DoL) released model notices for plans and FAQs on the implementation of the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) subsidies authorized in the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARP). Please see below for a summary of the guidance, and links to the model notices. NADP is also expecting the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to release guidance on the implementation of the COBRA subsidies soon.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), an independent panel of experts that advises the federal government on the efficacy of preventive medical treatments, has released a draft research plan on oral health coverage for children and adults.

Maine LD 1266, introduced on March 25, would establish a minimum medical loss ratio of 80% for all dental plans and require rebates to be provided in any year in which a dental plan’s medical loss ratio is less than the minimum. The bill’s sponsor, Sen. Heather Sanborn, is the chair of the Health Coverage Insurance and Financial Services Committee (HCIFS), a joint committee of the Maine House and Senate.

NADP, along with its industry partners, expressed strong opposition to Rhode Island’s S. 709, “An Act Related to Dental Insurance”, stating that the bill’s heavy handedness will result in higher premiums, less oral health access, and confusion.

Indiana HB 1079 was signed by Governor Holcomb on April 8.

Progress on Maine LD 1266, which would establish a minimum medical loss ratio of 80% for all dental plans and require rebates, stalled in the Health Coverage Insurance and Financial Services…

This legislative session, Rhode Island is once again attempting to redefine covered services for dental.

The New Mexico Office of the Superintendent of Insurance (OSI) issued a response to feedback from stakeholders on its proposed minimum standards rule for dental and vision benefits products.