HB 6589 - Third-Party Access to Dental Provider Contracts

• Effective January 1, 2022, prohibits third parties from gaining access to participating dental provider contracts unless health carriers provide 30 days' notice and allow each dental provider to decline participation without contract termination.

• Requires health carriers granting third-party access to clearly identify relevant contract provisions, obtain third-party compliance with contract terms, and disclose the third party's identity to all participating dental providers in writing.

• Mandates health carriers maintain and update publicly available lists of all third parties with contract access at least every 90 days and require third parties to identify discount sources on remittance advice.

• Exempts brand licensee programs, affiliated entities (with public disclosure), and Medicaid/CHIP beneficiary services from third-party access restrictions.

• Prohibits health carriers from refusing to contract with dentists or dental offices solely because they decline third-party access participation.