MD SB813

Insurers and dental plan organizations are prohibited from blocking patients from assigning their insurance benefits to out-of-network dentists or refusing to pay those dentists directly 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 charges

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 if: notice of assignment arrives after the patient was paid, the patient withdraws the assignment, or the patient already paid the dentist in full at time of service

Effective date: January 1, 2027