MD HB1091

Insurers and dental plan organizations are prohibited from blocking patients from assigning their insurance benefits directly to out-of-network dentists, and must directly reimburse those dentists when benefits are assigned.

Out-of-network dentists seeking benefit assignments must disclose to patients before treatment: their non-preferred status, potential charges for non-covered services, possible balance billing, cost estimates, payment terms, and any applicable interest rates.

When patients have not assigned benefits, insurers must include with payment: the specific claim covered, amount paid, patient's responsibility, and instructions to use the payment for the dentist.

Insurers may refuse direct reimbursement to out-of-network dentists only if: notice came after the patient was already paid, the patient withdraws the assignment, or the patient paid in full at time of service.

Effective date: January 1, 2027.