Napa, CA — A new bill aimed at enhancing access to dental care and protecting patients from unexpected out-of-pocket costs is gaining momentum in the California State Legislature. Assembly Bill 371, introduced by Assemblymember Matt Haney (D-San Francisco), seeks to address long-standing issues with dental insurance coverage in the state, providing a much-needed safety net for patients.
At a press conference outside the California State Capitol Museum on Tuesday, dozens of dentists and dental students joined Haney to show their support for the bill, which aims to close loopholes in dental insurance policies that have left many patients without affordable care.
“Dental care should be affordable, accessible, and timely,” Haney said, emphasizing that the bill addresses the many barriers Californians face in accessing quality dental services. “It shouldn’t be an hour from where they live or work. It shouldn’t be something they have to pay for out-of-pocket when they’ve already paid for insurance.”
AB 371 would mandate that dental insurance companies provide access to in-network dentists within 15 miles of a patient’s home or workplace. Under current state law, no such distance requirement exists, leaving patients in some areas with few options for covered dental care. Haney’s bill seeks to change that by ensuring that insurance enrollees are not forced to travel long distances to receive necessary services.
In addition to improving access, the bill would also prohibit dental insurance companies from requiring enrollees to pay out-of-pocket for services that are covered under their plans. This provision seeks to address a common issue where patients are referred to out-of-network specialists for services that should be covered by their insurance. Often, these patients are told they must pay upfront and then hope for reimbursement, which can be difficult to obtain.
“Unfortunately, many times it is not reimbursed as we see incredible high rates of denials for some dental insurance companies,” Haney explained. He noted that insurance loopholes are often used to deny claims for services that patients need, leading to confusion and frustration.
Jennifer DiGrande, a San Carlos resident, shared her own struggle at the press conference. DiGrande recently switched to a new insurance plan with Delta Dental, one of the largest dental providers in California. Despite her coverage, she was unable to find an in-network dentist in her area after calling over three dozen offices. The closest available appointment she was offered was in June.
“I’ve been unable to find a dentist that will take our insurance,” DiGrande said, highlighting the challenges many Californians face when trying to use their dental insurance.
Under the proposed bill, the waiting times for dental care appointments would also be reduced. AB 371 aims to shorten the current requirements for appointment scheduling: urgent care would need to be provided within 48 hours, non-urgent care within 18 business days, and preventive care within 20 business days. These changes would ensure more timely care compared to current state regulations, which allow for longer waiting periods.
The bill would also hold insurance companies accountable by assigning oversight to the Department of Managed Health Care or the Department of Insurance, ensuring that providers comply with the new requirements.
Haney pointed to other states, such as Maryland, Oregon, and Colorado, that have already enacted similar laws requiring dental insurance companies to offer better access to in-network providers and enforce stricter rules on patient costs.
“There are many other states who already have this standard of requiring folks to be able to have timely, accessible care close to where they work or live,” Haney said. “That is something that Californians deserve as well.”
As the bill moves through the legislative process, its supporters are hopeful that it will not only provide better access to dental care but also create a more transparent and fair system for dental insurance enrollees across the state.