HI SB964

Prohibits dental service organizations, mutual benefit societies, and health maintenance organizations from setting or recommending fees for dental services unless those services are covered by their plans.

Addresses practice where dental insurance providers require participating dentists to agree to set fees for all services, including non-covered ones, which prevents dentists from charging full rates for uncovered procedures.

Aims to protect patients and dentists by preventing insurance fee restrictions that force patients to seek non-participating dentists and reduce dentist participation in provider networks.

Amended by the Committee on Health with an effective date of January 1, 2050, to encourage further discussion of the measure.

Committee received 33 testimonies in support and opposition from Hawaii Dental Service, International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 142, and Hawaii Medical Services Association.