The bill amends the "Unfair Claims Settlement Practices Act" to include specific provisions related to dental insurance claims. It establishes that it is an unfair claims practice for a dental insurer to refuse to honor a direction to pay executed by an insured or claimant for dental services, regardless of whether the dental service provider is contracted with the insurer. The bill prohibits insurers from modifying the amount of benefits paid directly to the dental service provider, ensuring that these payments are consistent with those made to the majority of participating providers.

Additionally, the bill requires insurers to inform dental service providers of alternative payment methods and prohibits contracts that mandate payment only by virtual credit card. Insurers are allowed to review the records of the dental service provider to confirm that services were rendered, but they cannot reduce the benefits paid. The act is set to take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
905: 27-9.1-4