The bill, known as the "Louisiana Dental Loss Ratios for Dental Healthcare Services Plans Act," aims to enhance transparency regarding the expenditures of dental healthcare plan premiums. It establishes a new subpart within the Louisiana Revised Statutes, specifically R.S. 22:1161 through 1166, which outlines the definitions of key terms such as "dental carrier," "dental healthcare service plan," and "dental loss ratio." The bill mandates that dental carriers file an annual report detailing their dental loss ratios, which is calculated based on the percentage of premium dollars spent on patient care. This report must be submitted to the commissioner by March 1, 2025, and annually thereafter, with specific requirements for the information included.
Additionally, the bill stipulates that the annual reports will be made publicly available and outlines the process for the commissioner to request further information if necessary. It also clarifies that the provisions do not apply to Medicaid or the Louisiana Children's Health Insurance Program. The commissioner is tasked with promulgating rules and regulations to implement the act, which will take effect on January 1, 2025.