Sep 4, 2024
More states enact dental insurance legislation
Pennsylvania, Illinois pass virtual credit card, prior authorization bills
Sep 4, 2024
Pennsylvania, Illinois pass virtual credit card, prior authorization bills
Sep 3, 2024
Brett Kessler, D.D.S., to become 161st president of ADA
Aug 30, 2024
Effort aims to improve heart health screenings, referrals in dental offices
Aug 29, 2024
There’s still time to register for Oct. 17-19 meeting
Aug 29, 2024
New HHS rules modify protections for LGBTQ+, disabled patients
Aug 28, 2024
Stem cell cover illustration also earns recognition
Aug 27, 2024
ADA reaffirms support for community water fluoridation
Aug 27, 2024
The standard specifies requirements and test methods
Aug 26, 2024
Ban will likely not go into effect Sept. 4
Aug 21, 2024
Coalition says proposal would ‘undermine’ NIDCR’s mission
Aug 20, 2024
New report highlights barriers to obtaining dental care through Medicaid
Aug 20, 2024
ADA workshop to take place Dec. 6-7 in Chicago
Aug 20, 2024
Scheduled for Aug. 28
Aug 20, 2024
Federal rule could impact debt collection practices
Aug 20, 2024
University of Illinois Chicago College of Dentistry
Aug 20, 2024
Aug 12, 2024
Dr. Bor concluded that two important discoveries came out of this study.
Aug 12, 2024
Interested parties have until Sept. 25 to comment.
Aug 9, 2024
"ADA policy has not changed on this matter"
Aug 7, 2024
E-cigarette use could lead to caries, gingivitis
Dental Insurance Reforms
ISDS has been advocating for dental insurance reform for our members and patients. On January 1, 2024 three new dental insurance laws will go into effect that will impact dental insurance in Illinois.
Cranial Facial Anomaly Insurance Coverage
Health insurance companies will be required to cover services for children with cranial facial anomalies. Specifically, health insurance companies will be required to provide coverage for the medically necessary care and treatment of cleft lip and palate for children under 19. This includes the following:
Network Leasing
Network leasing is a bait-and-switch tactic insurance companies use to gain more revenue. Insurance companies lure dentists in with one network, and once dentists are on the hook, the dentist is forced to make an impossible choice to take on a network the dentist cannot afford to sustain or risk losing the patients they’ve served for years when insurance fails to honor their agreement.
Under the new law advocated for by ISDS, insurance companies will be now required to notify the dentist that the network is being leased out and allow the dentist to opt out of the new network. Under the new law, this notification must be provided in writing via certified mail 60 days before any scheduled assignment or lease of the network. The notification is also required to include all contract terms, a policy manual, a fee schedule, and statement that the provider has the right to choose not to participate.
Virtual Credit Cards
Insurance companies often make payments through a virtual credit card (VCC) instead of a physical check or direct deposit. VCC fees can be as high as 5% for dentists while insurance companies often receive cash-back incentives from credit card companies.
Under the new law, insurance companies are prohibited from requiring dentists to pay a processing fee on any electronic payment, including virtual credit cards.
E-Prescription Requirement
All healthcare providers, including dentists, prescribing controlled substances schedule II-V must submit prescriptions electronically. During this past legislative session, ISDS worked with other stakeholders to pursue legislation to outline further and clarify the requirement.
The legislation provides for the following exemptions to submitting the prescriptions electronically:
The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) is expected to issue guidance on how the exemptions will need to be certified. ISDS will inform its members when this information becomes available.
New Paid Time Off Law
In March 2023, Illinois enacted the Paid Leave for All Workers Act, which requires most Illinois employers, including dental offices, to provide their employees with up to 40 hours per year of paid leave for any reason. This law goes into effect on January 1, 2024.
To further assist members with compliance with this new law, ISDS hosted a 1-hour continuing education webinar that outlined the requirements of the law. For more information about the law and to view the webinar please visit: https://isds.ce21.com/item/understanding-implementing-2024-illinois-paid-leave-workers-act-123916
Additionally, the Illinois Department of Labor has issued a Frequently Asked Questions document which can be accessed here: https://labor.illinois.gov/faqs/paidleavefaq.html
Dental Practice Act Changes
There have been several clean-up changes to the Illinois Dental Practice Act that will be in effect on January 1, 2024. These changes are highlighted below:
As always, ISDS will continue to keep its members informed and advocate on behalf of its members.