State Rep. DeVitis Applauds Passage of Dental Fee Schedule Bill

Today, the Ohio House of Representatives passed legislation banning the practice by dental insurers of setting fee schedules for dentists for services not covered by the patient’s respective dental insurance company.

House Bill 95 prohibits a contracting entity from requiring a dental insurance company to provide services to patients at a fee set by these contracting agencies unless the service is covered by the dental provider. The goal of the legislation is to keep dental costs in check for patients, specifically those who are not covered, which includes over 36 percent of Ohio adults, aged 18 to 64, and the more than 60 percent of elderly Ohioans who do not have dental coverage in the state.

“It is a priority of mine and many of my colleagues to protect the doctor patient relationship,” said Rep. DeVitis, who sponsored the legislation. “This bill helps to protect and preserve that relationship by prohibiting insurers from setting fees for services outside of the realm of services covered in a dental plan. Without this bill, that relationship can be compromised.”

The bill follows 35 other states that have enacted similar legislation, including Pennsylvania and Texas. Supported by the Ohio Dental Association, HB 95 would not affect fee negotiations for covered services between insurance companies and dentists.

The bill will now go to the Senate for further consideration.