The bill introduces amendments to the General Laws concerning dental insurance and the relationships between dentists and insurance providers. It prohibits contracts that require dentists to indemnify or hold harmless the insurance provider for certain expenses and liabilities, as indicated by the insertion of new language in sections 27-18-56, 27-18.8-4, 27-19-54, 27-20-49, and 27-20.1-3. The bill also ensures that dental services and treatment provided in Rhode Island, including those for minors in outpatient surgery centers, are reimbursed according to Rhode Island's standards, with no deletions mentioned in the bill's text.

Additionally, the bill amends Section 27-41-66 to require health maintenance organizations to allow individuals to direct their dental benefits to be paid directly to non-participating dental care providers, subject to certain conditions and a possible reduction in benefits paid by no more than five percent. The bill, which is set to take effect on January 1, 2025, aims to guarantee fair reimbursement for dental services in Rhode Island and to extend coverage for minors' dental treatments in outpatient surgery centers.

Statutes affected:
7519: 27-18-56, 27-18.8-4, 27-19-54, 27-20-49, 27-20.1-3, 27-41-66