CA SB386

Health care service plans and health insurers paying dental providers must offer a non-fee-based default payment method and obtain affirmative written consent before enrolling providers in fee-based payment methods that charge fees to access funds

Dental providers must receive clear information about fees, alternative payment options, and opt-out instructions when choosing a fee-based payment method, and may opt out at any time

Payment method decisions apply to the dental provider's entire practice and all products/services covered under their contract with the plan or insurer

Plans and insurers must disclose if contracted payment vendors share profits, fee arrangements, or board composition with the plan/insurer

Provisions become operative April 1, 2026, and apply to contracts and policies issued, amended, or renewed on or after that date