2022 Legislative Session

In 2020, the Missouri General Assembly passed HB1682 intended to enforce prompt credentialing for health care providers. At least one prominent Missouri dental insurance carrier does not have to adhere to the new law as they are exempted based on its tax status. This legislation seeks to remedy that exemption.

Current law allows for direct primary care agreements, or “medical retainer agreements” as defined legally, but not for dental offices. This legislation adds dental offices to the list of entities allowed to offer direct primary care agreements, also commonly referred to as “in-office dental plans.”

Current state law mandates dentists must be allowed to “opt out” of network plans contracted through a third party on behalf of a health insurance carrier. The MDA is working to file legislation to enhance current statute to include an “opt in” provision. 
This legislation would require that initial contracts between a provider and insurance carrier contain explicit language outlining the carrier’s network leasing policies. 

In April 2021, State Dental Director Dr. Guy Deyton approached the MDA with an idea to collaborate with the Office of Dental Health on a pilot project to extend much-needed dental care to underserved populations around the state. Because this language was brought to the MDA so late in session, a bill was not filed. This year, the MDA has collaborated with other oral health stakeholders to file this legislation for the first time. 

MO HealthNet (Medicaid): The MDA is grateful Governor Parson has included a $5 million increase for Dental Medicaid benefits in his Fiscal Year 2023 budget recommendations. We look forward to learning how these funds will be allocated, while we continue to advocate for an increase to Medicaid reimbursement rates. The MDA is collaborating with the Missouri Coalition for Oral Health, Missouri Primary Care Association and other oral health stakeholders to promote the inclusion of certain adult dental Medicaid services currently not covered. 

Other Dental Programs: We appreciate consideration of maintaining current funding for the following:

• Dental Lifeline Network/Donated Dental Services: $90,000
• Elks Mobile Dental: $200,000
• State Dental Director: $70,000

The MDA always monitors any legislation that could impact the dental profession, such as dental insurance regulations, scope of practice and MO HealthNet considerations. We currently are monitoring legislation in the following areas:

• Dentist Vaccine Administration
• COVID Mandates/Vaccine Regulations
• Licensure of Dentists/CE requirements
• Telemedicine

Missouri has an Assignment of Benefits law for all health insurance carriers, but it does not include pre-paid dental plan corporations. This legislation would address that loophole, level the playing field among all insurers, and help provide a clear path for dental patients who expect their insurer to pay their dentist directly.