The Nevada Dental Association (NDA) announced today that Nevada Senate Bill 269, which limits retroactive claim denials and protects patients and dental practices from surprise billing, has passed the Legislature and been sent to Gov. Steve Sisolak for his signature.
The bill supported by the NDA limits the ability of insurance companies to deny claims for preauthorized dental care. These so-called retroactive claim denials often seek payment from a patient months or even years after the service was provided.
“We’re thankful that state lawmakers recognized the importance of this bill and agreed that this type of billing is unfair to patients who are blindsided to learn after the fact that their dental work claim was denied by their insurance and that there’s now a balance due,” said NDA President Dr. Mark Funke, a longtime dentist based in Carson City. “SB269 will close this surprise-billing loophole by initiating policies to help protect patients and safeguard insurance deductibles and avoid loss of benefits.”
Several states already have laws limiting an insurer’s ability to deny claims retroactively, including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia.
The state Assembly voted 41-0 on Friday to approve the bill, which was previously passed by the state Senate on a 21-0 vote. The bill was introduced by Sen. Ben Kieckhefer, R-Reno.
About the Nevada Dental Association
The Nevada Dental Association is the voice and advocate for oral health care in Nevada. It promotes the highest standards of care for the public and inspires members to pursue professional excellence and personal fulfillment through education, leadership and communication. It preserves the integrity of the dental profession, strengthens the doctor-patient relationship and promotes the Principles of Ethics and Code of Professional Conduct of the American Dental Association. Visit www.NVDA.org.