This bill amends existing laws regarding direct health care agreements, specifically focusing on dental care services. It allows health care providers or businesses to enter into direct health care agreements with patients, explicitly stating that these agreements can include dental care services and other primary care services. The bill outlines the requirements for these agreements, including a description of the services provided, the periodic fee, and the contact information for addressing complaints. It also clarifies that patients receiving assistance under certain state programs are ineligible for these agreements and emphasizes that patients are not entitled to protections under existing health care insurance policies. Additionally, the bill introduces new regulations for dental health care service plans, mandating insurers to file annual dental loss ratio reports that detail the percentage of premium dollars spent on patient care. It establishes a framework for identifying outlier insurers based on their dental loss ratios and allows for remediation actions if an insurer's ratio falls below a certain threshold. The bill aims to enhance transparency and accountability in dental insurance practices, ensuring that patients receive adequate care relative to the premiums they pay. The provisions of this act will take effect on January 1, 2027.

Statutes affected:
HB0273A, AM HB 273, introduced 01/23/2026: 21.03.025